Kilifi health experts warn misconceptions blocking plant-based diet adoption
Virginia Ruguru, co-manager of the plant-based advocacy group Thrive Africa, said the movement is not about eliminating meat entirely but about incorporating more plant-based foods into daily meals.
Health specialists in Kilifi have warned that widespread misunderstandings about plant-based diets are preventing many Kenyans from adopting healthier eating habits, even as diet-related illnesses continue to rise.
At Kilifi's Vegan Restaurant Week, campaigners said that while fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains are widely available and affordable, many people still perceive them as food for the less privileged.
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Such misconceptions, they argue, are undermining efforts to curb lifestyle diseases, including diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.
Virginia Ruguru, co-manager of the plant-based advocacy group Thrive Africa, said the movement is not about eliminating meat entirely but about incorporating more plant-based foods into daily meals.
“Our traditional diets were largely plant-focused. Today, global influences and aggressive marketing have drawn people away from these healthier patterns,” she explained.
Experts also highlighted the long-term benefits of plant-based diets.
Steve More, a nutrition consultant, said communities that prioritise plant-based eating tend to experience fewer health problems and longer lifespans.
“Even children on these diets appear more resilient to common illnesses,” he added.
The advocates expressed concern about the younger generation, which is increasingly exposed to fast-food culture and sugary, processed meals. “Without a change in eating habits, many young people are likely to face serious health challenges in the future,” Ruguru warned.
Some youths, however, are leading by example. Gladys Mumbi, a Gen Z resident of Malindi, dismissed the notion that plant-based diets are only for those who cannot afford meat.
“Western countries are embracing plant-based foods for their health benefits. It is time for us to shift our mindset and prioritise our wellbeing,” she said.
Campaigners noted that raising awareness remains crucial if Kenyans are to embrace plant-based diets and reduce the prevalence of diet-related illnesses nationwide.
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