Experts Cite Poor Diet as Cause of Learning Problems

Nutrition specialists and education researchers in Kenya are voicing concern that poor dietary quality among children is undermining cognitive development and academic performance. According to a report in The Star, many Kenyan children do not receive the necessary minerals and nutrients (especially in the first two years of life), which are critical for brain development. Experts warn that diets high in starchy, nutrient-poor foods and low in proteins, iron, and other micronutrients are contributing to poor concentration, low memory retention, and reduced learning capacity.
School-based research also backs up the warning. A Kenyan study found that many boarding high schools serve repetitive, low-nutrient meals dominated by starch (like maize and beans), with very little fruit, vegetables, or protein-rich foods. According to the researchers, this lack of diversity in school diets may limit students’ access to essential nutrients needed for cognitive development and sustained learning. Nutritionists argue that the food provided in schools needs to be improved to support students’ mental and physical development.
Scientific evidence from dietary intervention trials further reinforces the point: in a controlled Kenyan feeding study, young children who received animal‑source foods (meat) showed significantly better cognitive gains compared to those on plant-based or no supplements. Other studies have linked higher dietary intake of iron, zinc, and B‑vitamins with greater improvements in memory, concentration, and abstract reasoning. These micronutrients, commonly lacking in low-quality diets, are known to support neurological processes essential for learning.
Experts are calling for coordinated action: they want stronger nutrition education for parents (especially around weaning and complementary feeding), better school feeding programs that include diverse, nutrient-dense foods, and policies to make healthy foods more accessible and affordable. Without these interventions, they warn, poor nutrition could continue to hold back generations of children from reaching their full academic potential.