The Ministry of Health has restated Kenya’s strong commitment to improving nutrition and food policies to help fight malnutrition in the East African region.
This message was shared at the end of the East Africa Regional Dialogue on Policies to Transform Markets for Nutritious Foods, held in Mombasa. Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Bare Duale, EGH, was represented by Dr. Joseph Lenai, Director of Preventive and Promotive Health.
Dr. Lenai said that countries in the region must work together to deal with problems like undernutrition, lack of key nutrients, and rising cases of obesity.
The Ministry shared that non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—like diabetes and heart disease—cause 39% of deaths in Kenya, more than 50% of hospital stays, and use up 11% of the country’s health budget.
To address this, Kenya is working on better food policies.
These include:
- Clear nutrition labels on food packages
- Limiting the marketing of unhealthy foods, especially those aimed at children
The government also promised to improve teamwork among different sectors, work closely with other East African countries, and strengthen laws to support better nutrition.
The meeting was co-hosted by the Ministry of Health, African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC), and Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNi). It brought together government leaders, researchers, civil society, and business representatives to discuss progress and share ideas for building healthier food systems.
The Ministry praised the role of research and civil society in pushing for better nutrition policies and holding leaders accountable.
Kenya said it will keep working to ensure all its people have access to safe, healthy, and affordable food.
