Ever wondered what’s really in that crunchy snack or that soft bread spread you love so much? It might shock you. Some of our everyday foods contain a dangerous ingredient called trans fats. And the worst part? You won’t even see it on the label.
It hides in plain sight, in the margarine spread on your morning bread, in the crunchy crisps bought for school break, and in some of the sweet treats sold at your local duka.
While it may not be labelled, the danger is real: industrially produced trans fats (iTFAs) are slowly taking a toll on Kenyans’ health.
This was the central message at a recent national Editors’ Forum hosted by the International Institute for Legislative Affairs (IILA) last week in Nairobi.
The forum brought together editors from leading Kenyan media houses, public health advocates, and regional experts to build a shared understanding of the risks posed by trans fats and the media’s critical role in pushing for regulation.
Trans fats are man-made fats used to make food last longer. They’re often found in margarine, fried snacks, cookies, cakes, and other processed foods.
But they do something terrible inside your body. They clog your arteries and raise your risk of heart attack and stroke.
“Many people in Kenya eat trans fats every day without knowing it. The sad thing is, they’re completely unnecessary. There are healthier options out there,” said Gideon Ogutu, Programme Officer at IILA.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for urgent global action to remove iTFAs from food by 2025.
“Trans-fat is a toxic chemical that kills, and should have no place in food. Eliminating it is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to save lives,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
Countries like South Africa, India, and even Nigeria have already passed strong laws to protect their citizens from trans fats. They’ve set limits and forced food companies to stop using them.
So, where is Kenya in all this? Right now, Kenya doesn’t have a binding law that limits the amount of trans fats in our food.
While the Ministry of Health has developed draft regulations including a cap of no more than 2 percent iTFA in processed food, these rules haven’t been enacted into law yet.
“The law is there in draft form, but it’s still sitting on the shelf,” said Kelvin Mithamo, Assistant Programme Officer at IILA adding; “Meanwhile, dangerous products are still reaching our markets and homes.”
And because food companies aren’t required to list iTFAs on packaging, Kenyans have no way to know what they’re consuming.
Heart disease is on the rise and is currently one of the top killers in Kenya and according to medics trans fats have greatly contributed to this sad scenario.
“We are seeing more young people suffer heart disease today than ever before. What they’re eating is hurting them. This isn’t just a health issue, it’s a national emergency, warns renowned Kenyan cardiologist Dr. Betty Gikonyo.”
The Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), together with IILA and health partners, is pushing for urgent action to pass and implement trans-fat regulations.
If successful, Kenya could join the growing list of countries leading the charge to protect public health.
During the forum, editors acknowledged their role as trusted messengers and promised to help break down complex scientific terms into stories that everyone can understand.
“We’re not activists,” said one editor. “But we’re storytellers. If you give us strong facts and real stories, we’ll help get the word out.”
Ideas included, creating simple explainers on iTFAs, hosting experts on TV and radio, running media weeks and public awareness campaigns and supporting investigative journalism to expose unhealthy food practices.
“Regulation begins with awareness. Awareness begins with good stories. And stories begin with editors who care,” added Bobi Odiko, GHAI’s Africa Communications Consultant.
Meanwhile, here is what consumers can do; read food labels. Watch out for terms like “partially hydrogenated oils”—that’s just another name for trans fats, support healthy brands, buy from companies that say no to trans fats, push for change.
Ask your Member of County Assembly (MCA) or Member of Parliament (MP) to support the pending regulations, stay informed. Follow trusted media for updates and share with your community.
The bottom line is that with strong media coverage and government commitment, Kenya can eliminate trans fats, saving lives, cutting healthcare costs and ensuring a healthier future for all.
By Violet Otindo
