As non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continue to rise in Kenya, concerns remain about the widespread marketing of unhealthy foods especially to children and lack of clear nutrition information available to consumers. Without stronger safeguards, children remain particularly vulnerable to food marketing practices that can influence dietary habits and contribute to poor health outcomes later in life.
It is in this context that KELIN joined stakeholders from across Kenya’s food safety, nutrition, public health, legal and regulatory sectors for a meeting aimed at reviewing the Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act (Cap. 254). The Act is Kenya’s primary legislation governing food safety and regulation, making its review an important opportunity to strengthen public health protections and address emerging nutrition challenges. The meeting brought together county public health officers from all 47 counties, nutritionists, lawyers, technical committee members, civil society organisations and development partners to review proposed amendments to Kenya’s primary food law.
Throughout the review process, KELIN advocated for stronger legal protections through the inclusion of Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNLs) and restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy foods to children. Discussions explored practical approaches to strengthening consumer access to nutrition information, improving public awareness of nutrients of concern, and protecting children from exposure to unhealthy food marketing across traditional and digital platforms.
Speaking during the meeting, Henry Ng’ethe, President of the Nutrition Association of Kenya, emphasized the significance of the ongoing review, noting that, “we are the forefathers that have the opportunity to change the trajectory of our country today.” He further urged stakeholders to work collectively, stating, “please let’s work together to ensure we are protecting our children in the community.”
Deliberations on emerging issues generated broad engagement from participants, including proposals to strengthen definitions related to nutrients of concern, expand marketing restrictions to include holidays and weekend, and improve the separation of labelling and marketing provisions within the Act. Discussions also highlighted the need for effective enforcement mechanisms and stronger collaboration between public health, nutrition, and regulatory stakeholders.
As the week concluded, stakeholders expressed broad support on several proposed amendments, including provisions relating to FOPNLs and restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy foods to children. The discussions reflected a shared commitment to ensuring Kenya’s food law evolves to address current and emerging public health challenges. The proposed amendments will now continue through the legislative review process as stakeholders work towards strengthening Kenya’s food regulatory framework and improving protections for consumers, particularly children.
KELIN remains committed to advocating for evidence-informed policies that strengthen healthy food environments, empower consumers to make informed food choices, and contribute to reducing the growing burden of NCDs in Kenya for current and future generations.
Article by Shekina Plowman (she/her), MPH Black Health Candidate, University of Toronto, currently on practicum placement at KELIN.
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