Ministry of Health partners to carry out flour fortification

The Ministry of Health, development partners and county governments are pooling resources to ensure flour fortification compliance as the state strives to bring malnutrition under control.

In 2012, Kenya passed the Food Fortification Legislation requiring millers and processors of all packaged maize flour, wheat flour and edible fats/oils to add specific vitamins and minerals to their products. However, only 40% have implemented this requirement.

Andrew Mulwa, Acting Director of Medical Services/Preventive and Promotional Health at the Ministry of Health, said they were working with other partners, especially non-state actors, to raise the level of compliance.

“There are small and medium scale suckers who do not have the capability to do fortification and that is why we have a large number who are not yet compliant. However, we are proposing ways that will ensure the compliance for the benefit of consumers,” said Dr. Mulwa.

Speaking at the 20 year celebrations of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Dr Mulwa said the government was tackling non-compliance by involving health workers and trying to come up with solutions that will allow small millers to access enrichment technology.

“Fortification is a very expensive process and only companies with the financial means can afford this technology, but we are working with development partners to ensure this is achieved,” he said.

Leah Kaguara, Country Director of GAIN, called on Kenyans to embrace packaged flour because most of the staple foods ground in posho mills, which make up the bulk of produce consumed in the country, are not fortified.

“Most large millers have complied with food fortification regulations. This is because they have the technology and the means to comply with it, unlike many small and medium millers who cannot afford the expensive technology to fortify,” she said.

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