A case study of the interaction between indigenous and Western medicine among the Pokot of Kenya.

The article discusses the complex interrelationship between Pokot indigenous medicine and Western medicine. Pokot concepts of the causation of illness are examined as a prelude to the main argument, which states that though these concepts of causation influence the use made of both indigenous and Western forms of therapy, a number of other factors also affect this use. The relationship between the two types of medicine is shown to be dynamic and that it can be competitive, supplementary or complementary. It is also shown that there is differential perception of both forms of therapy by different categories of Pokot. The interrelationship between the two forms of medicine is discussed by using specific illustrations divided into three categories, i.e. the cognitive, behavioural and organizational. It is further shown that Pokot perceive both forms of medicine as elements of a single medical system.