Doctors Call for Regulation of Fast Food Industry

Health experts in Kenya are pushing for stricter regulation of the fast food and processed food industry, expressing concern over the rising contribution of ultra‑processed foods to non‑communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. The Ministry of Health recently revealed that only 10% of packaged foods in local supermarkets meet healthy nutrient thresholds under the newly introduced Kenya Nutrient Profile Model (KNPM). Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has backed proposals for mandatory warning labels on processed foods. Under the KNPM guidelines, products with unhealthy levels of salt, sugar, or fat would carry bold octagonal warnings on their front packaging — such as High in Sugar, High in Salt, or High in Fat. The move is seen as a way to empower consumers to make better dietary choices and to curb the growing NCD crisis.
Beyond packaging, health professionals are calling for tighter restrictions on marketing, especially targeting children. The Ministry of Health’s plan would limit advertisements of unhealthy foods on television, digital platforms, and outdoor media during times when children are the primary audience. Experts argue that without controlling how and where these foods are promoted, warning labels alone won’t be enough to reduce consumption of harmful products.
Advocacy groups also want food companies to publicly commit to reducing harmful ingredients in their products. A recent analysis by the Access to Nutrition Initiative found that more than 90% of processed foods evaluated in Kenya contained levels of salt, sugar, or saturated fat that exceed the new national thresholds. Doctors say that meaningful reform of the fast food industry, backed by strong regulation, is essential to protect public health and stem the rise of diet-related diseases.