Health experts are warning that poor diets are costing Kenya billions while fueling disease, even as the country works toward Vision 2030.
Speaking during a media roundtable in Nairobi, Veronica Kirogo, Head of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Ministry of Health, said nutrition must be seen as part of the country’s growth agenda, not just a health issue.
“Every shilling put into nutrition brings back more than twenty times through reduced healthcare costs and improved productivity,” she told editors.
Kenya has made visible progress in reducing child malnutrition, falling from 36% in 2003 to 18% in 2022.
But new problems are taking shape. Almost half of women aged 20 to 49 are overweight compared to 15% of men, raising the threat of lifestyle diseases.
The roundtable heard that most Kenyans are still not eating well. Only 5% of adults take enough fruits and vegetables, exclusive breastfeeding has dropped to 60%, and poor diets continue to cost the country an estimated KSh 374 billion every year.
Government programmes like school meals for more than 2.6 million learners and cash transfers to vulnerable families are making a difference, but experts say their is more needs to be done.
Kirogo was joined by GAIN Kenya Country Director Ruth Okowa, called on the media to highlight success stories, challenge misinformation, and keep nutrition high on the national agenda.
“Nutrition is about the health of our children and the future of this country. It cannot be left on the sidelines,” Kirogo said.
