The country currently faces a hidden epidemic because non-communicable diseases from dietary origins such as diabetes along with hypertension and heart disease and obesity are on the rise. Diseases formerly associated with wealth now spread throughout society and fast foods containing excessive sugar and salt and unhealthy fats drive their growth.

The current health emergency demands strong emergency intervention. Front of Pack Warning Labels on food products serve as our strongest preventive measure according to scientific evidence since they effectively warn consumers about the health risks their food choices pose. Simple warning labels act as an alternative to complex traditional nutrition labels because these warning labels provide easy comprehension at first sight.

And why is this important?

First, data from The Ministry of Health in Kenya shows that NCDs cause more than 30% of all deaths throughout the nation. Estimated national health system expenses along with household costs for maintaining chronic illnesses become unaffordable because they have reached unsustainable levels.

The rate of children being exposed to unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks increases in Kenya because their marketing targets vulnerable children aggressively through attractive packaging. Warning labels are essential to prevent parents from accidentally supporting negative health effects because they remain unaware of product risks.

Kenyans should be informed about which products contain dangerous levels of sugar, salt and saturated fat. FOPWL provides consumers with essential information about products to make choices on, that defend their health together with their families’ welfare.

FOPWL demonstrates great success as Chile along with Mexico and South Africa have implemented this measure in their countries. The implementation of these labels has diminished unhealthful food purchases while forcing manufacturers to change their product formulations.

Warning labels for food no longer enjoy financial support from within the food industry yet society needs protection over commercial interests. National health stands as the essential factor for achieving productivity levels.

— Kelvin Obegi Mokaya – Digital Advocate at International Institute of Legislative Affairs (IILA)