Description
Introduction
The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), processed foods high in sugar, sodium, and saturated fats, is fuelling overweight and obesity in Kenya. In Nairobi, 77% and 73% of schoolchildren consumed SSBs and junk food weekly, while only 49% ate fruits weekly. The KDHS 2022 reported that 70% of women consumed SSBs, and only 49% met the minimum dietary diversity. Among children aged 6–23 months, 64% of non-breastfed consumed SSBs compared with 45% of those breastfeeding, while 36% of non-breastfed children consumed unhealthy diets compared with 24% of breastfed children. The Kenya Nutrient Profile Model (KNPM) offers a regulatory framework to address these trends.
Methods
The KNPM was developed through a consultative process led by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with WHO, civil society, and academia. It adopts a threshold-based classification system aligned with the WHO/AFRO Nutrient Profile Model. It is structured across 11 food categories tailored to Kenyan consumption patterns. It identifies four nutrients of concern: sugars, sodium, total fats, and saturated fats, applying thresholds per 100g or 100ml to classify pre-packaged foods and beverages as healthy or unhealthy.
Results
Global evidence demonstrates that nutrient profiling improves consumer decision-making and industry practices. Countries applying front-of-pack warning labels report increased consumer understanding and reduced purchases of high-sugar beverages. In Kenya, preliminary simulations indicate that over 65% of marketed SSBs exceed KNPM thresholds for free sugars. The Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNI) market assessment found that only 10% of prepackaged products passed the KNPM thresholds. More than half of processed snacks exceeded sodium or fat limits. Adoption of the KNPM is expected to improve dietary choices to reduce NCD risk.
Conclusion
The KNPM is a science-based regulatory tool with strong public health implications. National adoption, integration into policy frameworks, and systematic monitoring are essential to curb Kenya’s growing NCD burden.
| Country | Kenya |
|---|---|
| Organization | Government of Kenya |
| Position | National Program Officer - Food Environment Policies |
| Received a Grant? | No |
