Celine Awuor, the CEO of IILA.
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.
