Nairobi: Millions of Kenyans are currently struggling to afford even minimally nutritious diets, as the country grapples with the triple burden of malnutrition, undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and obesity.
According to Kenya News Agency, the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) reveals alarming statistics: 18 percent of children under five are stunted, 10 percent are underweight, and 3.2 percent are either overweight or obese. Furthermore, 42 percent of pregnant women suffer from iron deficiency anemia.
Veronica Kirogo, Head of the Division of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the critical link between good nutrition and health, productivity, and economic growth. Speaking at a media roundtable in Nairobi, she stressed the need for a shift in food consumption patterns to combat diet-related non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.
Kirogo pointed out that only 49 percent of women consume the minimum dietary diversity, while 70 percent consume sweet beverages and 35 percent eat unhealthy foods. She noted that only 5 percent of adults meet the World Health Organization’s recommendation of five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, with 19 percent of adults not consuming any fruits or vegetables daily.
The economic impact of malnutrition is significant, with Kenya losing an estimated Sh373.9 billion, equivalent to 6.9 percent of its GDP. Kirogo urged for concerted multi-sectoral efforts to address the issue, stating that investing in nutrition yields significant economic returns.
The Ministry of Health, with support from partners, is committed to addressing malnutrition through initiatives like the CASCADE project, under the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). This project, in collaboration with county governments and partners, focuses on strengthening multi-sectoral approaches to nutrition, particularly at the community level.
Ruth Okowa, GAIN Kenya Country Director, emphasized the need for transforming food systems to deliver healthier diets, especially for the most vulnerable populations. She highlighted the alarming rise in overweight and obesity due to unhealthy diets and reduced physical activity.
Okowa noted that one in every five Kenyan males and one in every two females aged 20-49 are either overweight or obese. GAIN is working with the Ministry of Health to develop and implement the Kenya Nutrient Profile Model to promote healthier diets.
Efforts are underway to implement food policies that support healthier diets and combat diet-related NCDs. GAIN is supporting various counties in implementing nutrition policies and plans, strengthening multi-stakeholder platforms, and promoting media engagement to raise awareness about nutrition.
Okowa highlighted the importance of increasing vegetable consumption to address malnutrition. The ‘FoodFiti’ initiative aims to enhance diet quality by promoting vegetable consumption among 1.1 million urban and peri-urban consumers from low-income households.
The initiative also empowers ‘mama mbogas,’ small-scale vegetable vendors, through targeted training in food safety and hygiene. Over 10,000 vendors have received support, strengthening Kenya’s food supply chain.
Okowa called on the media to play a crucial role in making nutrition a societal priority by amplifying solutions and challenging inaction. She urged for a collective effort to make good nutrition a national priority, ensuring a healthier future for all Kenyans.