Gov't backs food fortification to boost public health, growth

The government has pledged stronger support for food fortification as part of its strategy to boost public health, enhance industrial competitiveness, and expand Kenya’s export opportunities.

Speaking during the 2025 Kenya Millers Fortification Index (KMFI) Awards in Nairobi, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said fortification must be seen as both a health and an economic imperative.

“Fortification enhances the competitiveness of Kenyan brands in regional and international markets while ensuring our people access affordable, nutritious food,” said Mudavadi

The awards, organized by the Cereal Millers Association and TechnoServe under the Millers for Nutrition initiative, recognized 26 millers and 113 brands across wheat flour, maize flour, and edible oils.

Together, these firms hold significant market shares—67% for wheat flour, 55% for maize flour, and 48% for edible oils—cementing their role in shaping both Kenya’s food security and trade profile.

Mudavadi urged millers to align with government nutrition strategies, highlighting fortification as critical to lowering healthcare costs, tackling malnutrition, and strengthening Kenya’s position as a regional processing hub.

He also pointed to the need for closer collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Bureau of Standards to enforce standards and build trust in Kenyan products abroad.

TechnoServe Kenya Country Director Kris Ansin described the KMFI as a platform that blends self-regulation with independent verification, helping industry leaders demonstrate compliance and excellence.

Unga Limited was named the overall top performer for the second consecutive year, with Managing Director James Nyutu stressing that fortification supports both public health and brand competitiveness.

The Millers for Nutrition initiative, launched in 2023, has already begun aligning Kenya’s processing sector with global best practices, reinforcing government efforts to position the country as a leader in sustainable food production across Africa.