Nutritionists Launch Campaign for Healthy Eating

Nutritionists and public health experts in Kenya are mobilizing a new national campaign to promote healthier eating habits as part of the government’s push to address diet‑related non‑communicable diseases (NCDs). The campaign dovetails with the Ministry of Health’s recently published Kenya Nutrient Profile Model (KNPM), which sets clear thresholds for sugar, salt, and saturated fat to guide both consumers and regulators.
At the heart of the effort is a push for stronger food environment policies, including front-of-pack warning labels and marketing restrictions on unhealthy foods, particularly those targeting children. Nutritionists argue that these measures are essential for shifting dietary patterns in a way that supports long-term health.
The campaign also emphasizes dietary diversity, urging Kenyans to increase their intake of fruits and vegetables while moving away from ultra-processed foods. This messaging aligns with Kenya’s national guidelines for healthy diets and physical activity, which nutritionists helped develop to address the country’s double burden of undernutrition and obesity.To drive impact, the Ministry of Health is working with civil society groups—including large networks of nutrition advocates—to scale public education efforts. These partnerships aim to make nutritious, affordable diets more visible and accessible, especially in communities that are most vulnerable to poor diet and health.