The culture of the people is central to the traditional medicine knowledge, uses and trade. This indigenous knowledge is orally passed from one generation to the next and is shared through efficacious communication with the ancestral spirits, dreams and oral narratives. This traditional medicine knowledge is invaluable in the treatment of sociocultural illnesses or syndromes, for instance, bad luck, bad dreams, cultural curses, and are resourceful in the administration of significant cultural rites and ceremonies. The traditional medicine sold in the medicine markets of Kenya is a true reflection of the cultural norms, beliefs and interactions among various cultures in a particular area. Cultural evolution phenomenon often takes place as a result of immigration, assimilation, interaction and acculturation. As a result these cultural changes affect; the autochthonous culture of their newly adopted homes and provides a sense of belonging to the people.

The conservation of medicinal plants must be an all-inclusive endeavor that factors in the contribution of all stakeholders, both formal and informal. This paper highlights the importance of sociocultural aspects in the conservation of medicinal plant sources and resources using both traditional and modern conservation strategies. Efficacious traditional conservation strategies that featured prominently in the study include cultural methods of preventing overharvesting, enforcing social and cultural taboos, totemism, rituals and norms. Modern conservation strategies are mainly in situ and ex situ refined with education and research. The paper underscores the application of both local and modern conservation approaches ensuring a multipronged measure to have a sustainable traditional medicine trade and practice alongside market expansion. There is need for a well-structured harmonization of both traditional and modern conservation strategies for a holistic conservation of medicinal plant species.