A coalition of Kenyan civil society organisations under the Food Policy Coalition Kenya has launched a nationwide campaign calling for mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on ultra-processed foods, citing growing concerns over the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) linked to unhealthy diets.
The campaign seeks to ensure consumers can easily identify products high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats through simple and visible warning labels placed on the front of food packaging.
Speaking during the launch in Nairobi, stakeholders said many pre-packaged foods commonly consumed by Kenyan families contain excessive amounts of harmful ingredients that contribute to diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer.
NCDs Account for Nearly 39 Per cent of Deaths
According to Kenya’s Ministry of Health, non-communicable diseases now account for approximately 39 per cent of all deaths in the country, while also contributing significantly to hospital admissions.
Health experts warned that increased consumption of ultra-processed foods is worsening the burden of NCDs, yet many consumers remain unaware of the nutritional content of the products they purchase.
“Non-Communicable Diseases are placing an increasing burden on Kenyan families and the health system, and poor diets are a key driver of this crisis,” said Dr. Catherine Karekezi, Executive Director of NCD Alliance Kenya.
She noted that empowering consumers with clear and accessible information is essential in reversing unhealthy dietary trends.
Campaign Encourages Consumers to Question Food Content
At the centre of the six-week campaign is a simple question directed at consumers: “Do you really know what’s inside the pre-packaged food you consume?”
The campaign will run across television, radio, billboards, digital platforms, and community engagement forums aimed at raising awareness about healthier food choices.
Celine Awuor, Chief Executive Officer of the International Institute for Legislative Affairs, said the initiative is intended to encourage Kenyans to become more conscious about hidden ingredients in packaged foods.
“Kenyans deserve clear and understandable information about the food they consume. By encouraging people to ask questions about what is in their food, we are helping families take an active role in protecting their health,” she said.
Experts Say Current Nutrition Labels Are Difficult to Understand
The coalition argued that existing nutrition information on food packaging is often technical, complex, and placed in areas consumers rarely notice, making it difficult for shoppers to make informed decisions quickly.
According to Timothy Wafula, Programme Manager at Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network, many consumers are misled into believing some packaged products are healthy despite containing high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
“Families do not have the time or technical knowledge to interpret complex nutrition panels. When people begin questioning what is in their food, they become more empowered to demand better labels,” he said.
Research Supports Front-of-Pack Warning Labels
Researchers supporting the campaign said evidence from studies conducted in Kenya shows that simple front-of-pack warning labels are more effective in helping consumers identify unhealthy products compared to traditional back-of-pack nutrition panels.
Dr. Shukri Mohammed, a Research Scientist at the African Population and Health Research Centre, said testing of front-of-pack labelling demonstrated that consumers are more likely to make healthier purchasing decisions when warning labels are clear and visible.
“This evidence confirms that improving how information is presented on food packages is critical to supporting better food choices,” Dr. Mohammed said.
Coalition Calls for Policy Action
The coalition is now urging policymakers to fast-track the adoption of mandatory front-of-pack warning labels as part of broader efforts to address diet-related diseases in Kenya.
Imelda Namayi, Programme Manager for Education, Health and Nutrition at the National Council of Churches of Kenya, said consumers have a right to know what is contained in the foods they buy.
“Clear front-of-pack labelling is essential to protect consumers and help families better understand what they are consuming, enabling them to make healthier choices,” she said.
The coalition also called on parents, health professionals, community leaders, and the media to support public awareness efforts and advocate for healthier food environments across the country.