Kenya Boosts Food Fortification to Improve Health and Trade

Kenya is ramping up efforts to promote food fortification as a strategy to improve public health, enhance industrial competitiveness, and expand the country’s export potential.

Speaking at the 2025 Kenya Millers Fortification Index (KMFI) Awards in Nairobi, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi emphasised that fortification is both a health and economic priority.

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

The awards, organised by the Cereal Millers Association and TechnoServe under the Millers for Nutrition initiative, recognised 26 millers and 113 brands across wheat flour, maize flour, and edible oils. Together, these companies command significant market shares of 67 per cent for wheat flour, 55 per cent for maize flour, and 48 per cent for edible oils, highlighting their key role in Kenya’s food security and trade.

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

He also called for closer collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Bureau of Standards to enforce quality standards and boost confidence in Kenyan products abroad.

TechnoServe Kenya Country Director Kris Ansin described the KMFI as a platform that combines 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. Managing Director James Nyutu noted that fortification not only supports public health but also enhances brand competitiveness.

Launched in 2023, the Millers for Nutrition initiative has been 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.