Senator Hamida demands clarity on Kenya’s new food labelling rules
Under the new rules, all packaged foods must display nutritional content in a clear and visible manner.
Senator Hamida Kibwana has raised urgent questions about the government's rollout of new food labelling rules, stressing that clear guidance is essential for public safety and understanding.
She noted that the regulations are vital as Kenya struggles with growing cases of obesity and other illnesses linked to poor diets.
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Under the new rules introduced by the Ministry of Health through the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), all packaged foods must display nutritional content in a clear and visible manner.
The labels are required to highlight foods with high levels of sugar, salt, and fat, while products that exceed recommended limits must carry front-of-pack warnings.
The measure is designed to help consumers, especially children and young people in urban centres, make healthier food choices.
On Thursday, while requesting a Statement from the Health Committee on the Senate floor, Senator Hamida urged the Ministry of Health and KEBS to clarify how they will ensure all food manufacturers and retailers comply with the new rules.
She also directed the Committee, chaired by Senator Jackson Mandago, to outline strategies for public education, ensuring citizens understand and can use the nutritional labels effectively.
“The Health Committee must also tell this House the enforcement mechanisms that the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has established to address and prevent the use of misleading or non-compliant labels,” Senator Hamida stated, emphasising the need for strict monitoring and accountability.
The Senator further highlighted that the labelling regulations alone are not enough.
She urged the government to take steps to make healthy food options more affordable and easily accessible, particularly for low-income households who may otherwise struggle to make nutritious choices.
Following the discussions, the Health Committee plans to summon the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, to provide detailed explanations on the implementation of the labelling rules.
The Committee will then compile and present a report on the Senate floor, outlining measures to ensure compliance, public education, and enforcement.
Senator Hamida’s intervention underlines the importance of combining clear information, public education, and accessibility of healthy foods to curb rising diet-related health problems across Kenya.
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