Nairobi, Kenya – 31st January 2025
45 Civil society organizations and advocates convened for the webinar “Ultra-Processed Food Wars: Fought for Our Children’s Health,” a discussion on the impact of predatory food marketing practices targeting children. The event, organized by the Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV and AIDS (KELIN) in collaboration with key partners, shed light on the unethical tactics employed by the ultra-processed food (UPP) industry and explored strategies to strengthen advocacy efforts for stricter regulations.
Moderated by Martha Ogutu (KELIN), the webinar featured insights from Imelda Namayi (NCCK) on the harmful effects of unhealthy food marketing, linking it to the rise in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among children. Irene Chelucci (IDLO) emphasized the vital role of civil society in driving policy change, while Pauline Omoto (KELIN) provided a Kenyan perspective on advocacy efforts to regulate food marketing practices.
Participants engaged in a dynamic discussion and Q&A session, exchanging strategies to hold the UPP industry accountable and ensure that children’s right to nutritious food is safeguarded. As marketing of ultra-processed foods continues to undermine public health, the discussion reaffirmed the urgency for collective action to combat misleading industry practices and protect future generations.
The session concluded with a call to action for civil society to amplify advocacy efforts and push for stronger policy interventions on healthy diets. In this spirit, KELIN will continue it efforts to advocate for a conducive regulatory environment for our children’s future.
To contribute to the discussion, follow KELIN on our social media platforms.
Twitter: @KELINKenya
http://www.facebook.com/kelinkenya
For more information, please contact.
Pauline Omoto
Program Officer, Health & Governance
Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV & AIDS (KELIN)
Kuwinda Lane, Karen C, off Langáta Road Email: paulineomoto@kelinkenya.org
