Kenya’s primary food law has remained largely unchanged since 1965, despite significant changes in the country’s food environment and a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Today, unhealthy diets continue to contribute to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other preventable illnesses, underscoring the need for stronger legal and policy protections for consumers.
From 22–26 June 2026, technical experts and drafters convened to develop the first draft of the revised Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act (Cap. 254), marking an important milestone in the ongoing review of Kenya’s primary food legislation. The process represents significant progress towards a modern legal framework for food safety, nutrition and consumer protection in Kenya.
Throughout the drafting process, participants deliberated on key provisions relating to food safety, regulatory responsibilities and emerging public health issues, including the regulation of trans fatty acids and the introduction of Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling.
KELIN participated in the drafting process as part of its broader work to strengthen healthy food environments and advance legal and policy measures aimed at preventing diet-related NCDs in Kenya. The organisation advocated for stronger measures to create healthier food environments, including Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling, restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy foods to children and improved regulation of industrial trans fats. These measures are important tools for empowering consumers to make informed food choices and protecting children from persuasive advertising of unhealthy foods.
Alongside the International Institute for Legislative Affairs (IILA), KELIN also supported the inclusion of a clear legal definition of trans fatty acids within the Act. Establishing this definition is an important step towards enabling stronger regulation and restrictions on the use of industrially produced trans fats in processed foods, helping reduce the burden of diet-related diseases in Kenya.
KELIN remains committed to working alongside government, civil society and development partners to support the development of a modern food law that protects consumers, promotes healthier food environments and contributes to better health outcomes for all Kenyans. The draft legislation will now proceed for further review and stakeholder engagement as the reform process continues.
Article by Shekina Plowman, Public Health Practicum Student at KELIN.
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For more information, please contact:
Pauline Omoto
Programme Officer
Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV & AIDS (KELIN)
Kuwinda Lane, Karen C, off Lang’ata Road
Email: paulineomoto@kelinkenya.org
Website: www.kelinkenya.org
