By Melisa Mong’ina
As Kenya grapples with a growing burden of cardiovascular diseases, the International Institute for Legislative Affairs (IILA) has renewed its call for accelerated regulation of industrially produced trans fatty acids (iTFAs). The appeal came just days after the world marked World Heart Day on September 29, under the theme Don’t Miss a Beat – Global Action for Heart Health.
According to data cited by the International Institute for Legislative Affairs (IILA), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) now account for nearly 25% of hospital admissions and about 13% of all deaths in the country. In 2024 alone, CVDs were responsible for 7,478 deaths, ranking among the top three causes of mortality in Kenyan health facilities.
A 2023 study conducted by The George Institute for Global Health in collaboration with IILA, and published in BMJ Global Health, showed that introducing a national limit of no more than 2 grams of iTFAs per 100 grams of fat in food could prevent about 2,000 deaths and 17,000 new cases of heart disease within the next decade.
The same study found that while the policy would cost the government and industry roughly USD 9 million (KES 940 million) to implement, it could save the health system nearly USD 40 million (KES 4.1 billion) in treatment costs. Over the lifetime of Kenya’s current population, the measure could prevent over 100,000 cases of heart disease and save 50,000 lives.
Kenya has made progress in addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), but advocates say more must be done to curb harmful food ingredients.
“Regulating industrial trans fats is one of the most impactful steps Kenya can take right now to protect heart health. The evidence shows it will save thousands of lives, reduce the burden of disease, and deliver significant cost savings to our health system,”IILA stated.
Adding “We commend the Government of Kenya for the progress already made in advancing healthier food policies, and on this World Heart Day, we encourage sustained leadership to fast-track regulation of industrial trans fats to protect Kenyans from heart disease.”
IILA has urged Kenyan lawmakers to adopt the World Health Organization’s REPLACE package, which calls for limiting iTFAs to no more than 2 grams per 100 grams of total fat in food and phasing out partially hydrogenated oils altogether.
“We therefore urge Kenyan policymakers to continue prioritizing the adoption of WHO-
recommended regulations that limit iTFA to no more than 2 grams per 100 grams of total fat in all
foods and ban partially hydrogenated oils entirely. Sustaining this commitment will protect
Kenyans from preventable heart disease, promote public health, and save the country billions in
healthcare costs,” reads part of IILA’s statement.
The organization noted that such regulations would align Kenya with global best practices while strengthening the fight against preventable heart disease and reducing long-term healthcare costs.