Unilever, through its personal care brand Pepsodent, has launched a nationwide school oral health campaign aimed at reaching 500,000 pupils in 500 primary schools by the end of the year, in a major push to address Kenya’s high burden of preventable dental diseases.
The programme was officially unveiled at Arap Moi Primary School and will be rolled out across urban, peri-urban, and rural areas. It seeks to instill positive oral hygiene habits among school-going children through structured education and behaviour change initiatives.
School-Based Approach to Behaviour Change
The campaign is set deliver supervised learning sessions focused on proper brushing techniques and basic oral care practices. At its core is the “Twice 2 – brush day and night” message, encouraging children to brush their teeth twice daily for at least two minutes using fluoride toothpaste.
As part of the rollout, outreach activities have already been conducted in several schools, including Olympic Primary School, Mwiki School, Ruiru Comprehensive School, and Mukuru Community School.
Pepsodent Targets 500,000 pupils to Combat Dental Diseases
Addressing Kenya’s Oral Health Crisis
The initiative comes against the backdrop of persistent oral health challenges in Kenya. According to national data, nearly half of children aged five suffer from tooth decay, while gum disease affects more than 90 per cent of the population.
Despite improvements in access to oral care products, usage patterns remain inconsistent. Over 77 per cent of adults own a toothbrush and brush at least once daily, and about 70 per cent use fluoridated toothpaste.
However, gaps remain in brushing frequency, technique, and awareness, with 17 per cent of users unsure whether their toothpaste contains fluoride.
Health experts also highlight low compliance with recommended practices such as replacing toothbrushes every three months, which continues to undermine oral hygiene outcomes.
Leaders Emphasize Preventive Care and Education
Speaking during the launch, Unilever East Africa Commercial Director John Kibira noted that the school-based model is key to driving long-term behavioural change.
“Reaching children in school allows us to simplify oral care and embed daily habits such as brushing twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. These are small actions with significant long-term health outcomes,” he said.
Pepsodent Targets 500,000 pupils to Combat Dental Diseases
Unilever East Africa Managing Director Luck Ochieng underscored the link between oral health and education outcomes, noting that untreated dental conditions can negatively affect concentration, school attendance, and overall wellbeing among learners.
“Good oral health underpins a child’s confidence and ability to learn. Preventive interventions at school level are critical in reducing the long-term burden of dental disease,” he said.
Aligning with National Health Policy Goals
The programme aligns with Kenya’s National Oral Health Policy (2022–2030) and the National Oral Health Strategic Plan (2022–2026), both of which prioritize preventive, school-based interventions as a cost-effective approach to improving public health outcomes.
By scaling outreach through schools, Pepsodent aims to support national efforts to reduce childhood tooth decay and gum disease while easing the long-term cost burden associated with oral health treatment in Kenya.
