Celine Awuor, the CEO of IILA.Health advocates are calling on the government
to completely ban partially hydrogenated oils, warning that the cheap, widely
used ingredient is killing hundreds of Kenyans over time.
In a statement released to mark World
Heart Day, the International Institute for Legislative Affairs (IILA) said
Kenya must act urgently to eliminate industrially produced trans fatty acids
(iTFAs). These are harmful fats commonly used in processed foods, baked goods,
and fried snacks to make them last longer and taste better.
Partially hydrogenated oils are made
when manufacturers add hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them
semi-solid. This process helps food stay fresh longer but creates trans fats,
which raise the “bad” cholesterol (LDL) in the blood and lower the “good”
cholesterol (HDL). Health experts say this combination increases the risk of
heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
“Regulating industrial trans fats is
one of the most impactful steps Kenya can take right now to protect heart
health,” said IILA in a statement. “The evidence shows it will save thousands
of lives, reduce the burden of disease, and deliver significant cost savings to
our health system.”
According to IILA, heart disease is
rising sharply in Kenya, with about 13 per cent of all deaths linked to
cardiovascular disease. Hospital data shows that in 2024 alone, 7,478 people
died from heart-related illnesses, placing them among the top three causes of
death in the country.
A 2023 study by The George Institute
for Global Health and IILA, published in BMJ Global Health, found that
if Kenya sets a national limit of two grams of trans fat per 100 grams of total
fat in all foods, the policy could prevent about 2,000 deaths and 17,000 new
heart disease cases within 10 years. The policy would cost an estimated Sh940
million to implement but save the health system around Sh4.1 billion in
treatment costs.
Globally, more than 60 countries, including
South Africa, the United States, and Thailand, have already restricted or
banned partially hydrogenated oils, following the World Health Organization
(WHO) recommendation under its REPLACE initiative.
WHO is pushing for a global
phase-out of trans fats by 2025, calling them “toxic chemicals unnecessary in
food.”
IILA urged Kenya’s policymakers to
strengthen the Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Regulations to align with
WHO’s guidelines. The organisation said Kenya has made progress in promoting
healthier food environments, but stronger leadership is needed to protect
consumers from unhealthy products.
“We encourage policymakers to act
now — banning partially hydrogenated oils entirely will protect lives and
support a stronger, healthier nation,” IILA said.
Health advocates argue that banning
trans fats would not only improve public health but also reduce national
healthcare costs and encourage the food industry to use safer alternatives such
as sunflower, canola, and olive oils.