KELIN, IILA and APHRC Launch Food Policy Coalition in Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 30 – The Kenya Legal & Ethical Issues Network on HIV & AIDS (KELIN), International Institute for Legislative Affairs (IILA), African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance of Kenya (NCD Alliance Kenya) have established Food Policy Coalition Kenya to advance stronger food environment policies to address the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

The aim of the Food Policy Coalition Kenya is to provide a coordinated platform for evidence-based advocacy, policy engagement and public accountability on food environment reforms.

This coalition has been launched at a pivotal moment in Kenya, where, according to the Ministry of Health, non-communicable diseases, including cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, account for 43% of deaths in Kenya and more than 50% of hospital admissions.

However, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, which typically have high levels of sugar, salt, and fats, is one of the main factors contributing to NCDs.

The consumption of ultra-processed foods has also negatively influenced dietary patterns across the country.

The formation of this coalition was inspired by the adoption of the Kenya Nutrient Profile Model in 2025, which marked an important step by defining and classifying foods with excessive levels of sugar, salt and fats this demonstrated Kenya’s commitment to this area.

Moreover, there is a need to strengthen protection of the people through restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children, establishment of a Front-of-Pack Nutrition Warning Labelling regulatory framework, use of fiscal policies to shape consumption patterns and improvements in public food procurement.

Additionally, the foundation is in place, and the task ahead is to move these measures forward and ensure they are effectively implemented and enforced.

Further, the coalition has also requested the Ministry of Health and Parliament to prioritize the development, review and adoption of food policy measures.

It has also shown interest in collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to support and promote their advocacy on healthier food environments.