Study Warns of High Sugar Consumption Among Children

A recent Kenyan study has raised serious concerns over the growing intake of sugar among children and adolescents, suggesting that high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and sugary foods may be fueling long-term health risks. Research conducted in Kakamega County found that over 53% of high school students reported regularly consuming SSBs, despite having only moderate knowledge about their health impacts.
The warning is echoed by broader public health observations: children in Kenya are increasingly exposed to ultra‑processed foods high in salt, fat, and sugar. In urban slums around Nairobi, adolescents described sugary and processed foods as modern and classy, underlining how pervasive marketing around schools is driving unhealthy dietary choices. Meanwhile, packaged food reviews show that many products popular with youth contain excessively high sugar levels.
Experts also worry about the sugar added to foods marketed to infants: one public-health campaign has called on regulators to require front-of-pack warning labels on baby foods with added sugars, since WHO guidelines recommend no added sugar for children under 3.
Health advocates are calling for stronger dietary education in schools, stricter regulation of sugary-food advertising, and clearer food labelling. They argue that without urgent action, Kenya risks a surge in obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases in the next generation.