CONSULTANCY TO DEVELOP SIMPLIFIED MATERIALS ON THE KENYA NUTRIENT PROFILE MODEL

BACKGROUND

Kenya continues to experience a growing burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, obesity and some forms of cancer. This burden is partly associated with increased consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods that contain excessive levels of nutrients of concern, including sugar, salt, saturated fats and trans fats.

Consumers often face challenges in identifying healthier food products because nutrition information presented on food packaging may be technical, complex or difficult to interpret. Youth, women and community groups are particularly important audiences because of their roles as consumers, caregivers, household decision-makers, community mobilisers and advocates for healthier food environments.

The Kenya Nutrient Profile Model provides a framework for classifying food and beverage products according to their nutritional composition. It can support the development and implementation of public health measures such as front-of-pack nutrition labelling, restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages, healthy public food procurement, and other interventions intended to promote healthier diets.

However, the technical nature of nutrient profiling may limit public understanding, participation and support. There is therefore a need to translate the Kenya Nutrient Profile Model into simplified, accessible and culturally appropriate information materials that explain:

• What the Nutrient Profile Model is;
• How it classifies foods and beverages;
• The nutrients of public health concern covered by the model;
• How the model can support healthier food choices;
• How the model supports food environment policies;
• Why youth, women and communities should support its adoption and implementation; and
• How members of the public can participate in advocacy and policy processes relating to healthier food environments.

PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY

The purpose of the consultancy is to translate the technical content of the Kenya Nutrient Profile Model into accurate, engaging and easy-to-understand public education and advocacy materials that can be used by youth, women, community groups and civil society organisations.

OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY

To develop simplified, accessible and evidence-based materials that improve understanding of the Kenya Nutrient Profile Model and strengthen public support for policies promoting healthier food environments.

Specific Objectives

The consultant will:

1. Review the Kenya Nutrient Profile Model and relevant national documents.
2. Identify the key concepts, evidence and public-interest messages that should be communicated to youth, women and community groups.
3. Translate technical nutrient profiling concepts into plain, accessible, and culturally appropriate language.
4. Develop audience-specific education, communication, and advocacy materials in formats suitable for community and digital dissemination.

Target Audiences

The primary target audiences will include:

• Young people, including youth advocates, students and youth-led organisations;
• Women, including caregivers, women-led organisations and community health promoters;
• Community-based organisations;
• Community leaders and local opinion leaders;
• Consumer rights organisations;
• Civil society organisations working on health, nutrition and food systems;
• Parents and caregivers;
• Digital content creators; and
• Members of the public with limited technical knowledge of nutrition and food regulation.

The materials should consider differences in literacy, language, access to digital platforms, disability and geographical location.

Scope of Work

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

1. Inception and Desk Review

The consultant will:

• Review the Kenya Nutrient Profile Model and related technical documentation;
• Review relevant food, nutrition, consumer protection and public health policies;
• Identify technical concepts that require simplification;
• Map the information needs and communication preferences of the target audiences; and
• Prepare an inception report outlining the proposed methodology, work plan, deliverables and consultation process.

2. Message Development

The consultant will develop a clear message framework covering, at a minimum:

• The meaning and purpose of a Nutrient Profile Model;
• Why Kenya needs a Nutrient Profile Model;
• How the model identifies foods and beverages that are high in nutrients of concern;
• The health implications of excessive consumption of sugar, salt, saturated fats and trans fats;
• The relationship between the model and front-of-pack warning labels;
• The relationship between the model and restrictions on marketing unhealthy foods to children;
• How the model can support healthier schools, workplaces and public institutions;
• The responsibilities of government, food manufacturers, retailers, advertisers and consumers;
• Common misconceptions relating to nutrient profiling and food regulation;
• The importance of protecting children and young people from harmful food marketing;
• The role of women, youth and communities in supporting healthier food policies; and
• Specific actions that community members can take.

Messages must be factual, non-stigmatising, rights-based and consistent with the approved Kenya Nutrient Profile Model and applicable national policies. 

3. Development of Simplified Materials

The consultant will develop a package of simplified materials, which may include

i. Simplified public guide – A concise guide explaining the Kenya Nutrient Profile Model, how it works, why it matters and how it will support healthier food environments

ii. Frequently Asked Questions document – A plain-language document responding to common questions and misconceptions about nutrient profiling.

iii. Community discussion guide – A facilitation guide that community organisations can use during meetings, dialogues, training sessions and public participation forums

iv. Youth-friendly information brief – A visually engaging and easy-to-read resource tailored to young people.

v. Women and caregivers’ information brief – A resource explaining the relevance of the model to household food choices, children’s health and community wellbeing

vi. Community posters or flyers – Print-ready materials suitable for dissemination through community forums, health facilities, schools, markets and community organisations.

vii. Facilitator talking points – A set of standard messages and responses that staff, youth champions and community advocates can use when discussing the model.

All materials will be developed in English and Kiswahili.

4. Design and Accessibility

The consultant will ensure that all materials:

• Use plain and accessible language;
• Apply culturally relevant examples and illustrations;
• Avoid technical jargon or explain technical terms where their use is unavoidable;
• Use inclusive and non-discriminatory language;
• Represent the diversity of Kenya’s population;
• Are accessible to persons with different literacy levels;
• Use readable fonts, appropriate contrast and clear layouts;
• Are suitable for both digital and print use;
• Do not stigmatise individuals based on body size, health status, income or food choices; and
• Comply with the branding requirements of KELIN  and relevant partners.

The consultant will obtain approval before using photographs, illustrations or other copyrighted materials.

DURATION 

The assignment will be conducted for a period of  approximately 4 weeks, equivalent to a maximum of twenty (20) Consultancy days from the date of contract signing.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

The ideal consultant/firm should have:

• An advanced degree in nutrition, public health, health promotion, communication, social sciences, food science, public policy or a related field;
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in public health communication, nutrition communication, social and behaviour change communication or policy advocacy;
• Demonstrated understanding of nutrient profiling, food labelling, food marketing regulations or healthy food environment policies;
• Experience translating technical or legal information into accessible public communication materials;
• Experience developing communication materials for youth, women and community audiences;
• Strong writing, editing and presentation skills;
• Experience developing materials in English and Kiswahili;
• Experience in graphic design, digital communication or production of audiovisual content, either directly or through a proposed team;
• Experience working with civil society organisations, government institutions or community-based organisations; and
• Ability to deliver high-quality work within agreed timelines.
• Experience in disability-inclusive communication and community mobilisation will be an added advantage.

REPORTING

The consultant will report to the designated project lead.

Periodic check-ins will be held to review progress and address emerging issues.

All applications received will be subjected to a fair and competitive review process.

Only shortlisted Consultants will be contacted.

This call for Consultancy will close on Wednesday 5th August 2026 11.59 PM EAT.