A coalition of Kenyan civil society organisations under the Food Policy Coalition Kenya has launched a nationwide campaign pushing for clear warning labels on pre-packaged, ultra-processed foods, amid growing concern over the country’s rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The campaign seeks to draw attention to excessive levels of sugar, salt and unhealthy fats in commonly consumed packaged foods, which experts say are driving conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and certain cancers.
According to the Ministry of Health, NCDs now account for approximately 39 per cent of all deaths in Kenya, placing increasing pressure on families, communities and the healthcare system.
Public health experts attribute part of this trend to the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods, often purchased without a clear understanding of their nutritional content.
At the heart of the campaign is a simple question to consumers: Do you really know what’s inside that pre-packaged food?
“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 at NCD Alliance Kenya. “Raising awareness and empowering consumers with clear information is essential to reversing current trends.”
Stakeholders argue that while nutrition information exists on packaging, it is often too technical or poorly placed, making it difficult for consumers to interpret quickly.
“This campaign is to urge people to question what hidden ingredients are in the pre-packaged food they purchase,” said Celine Awuor, CEO of the International Institute for Legislative Affairs. “Kenyans deserve clear and understandable information about the food they consume.”
The six-week campaign will run across television, radio, billboards, digital platforms and community outreach programmes, aiming to simplify how consumers understand food labels and make everyday dietary choices.
Timothy Wafula of Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network noted that many consumers are misled into believing some processed products are healthy despite high levels of harmful ingredients.
Meanwhile, research from the African Population and Health Research Center indicates that simple front-of-pack labels can significantly improve consumer decision-making.
The coalition is now calling on consumers, health professionals, policymakers and the media to support clearer labelling standards, insisting that informed choices are key to tackling Kenya’s growing NCD crisis.
