The International Institute for Legislative Affairs (IILA) has renewed its call for accelerated measures to regulate industrially produced trans fatty acids (iTFAs) in Kenya, in order to reduce the burden of heart related diseases.
As the world marked World Heart Day on 29 September under the theme “Don’t Miss a Beat – Global Action for Heart Health, IILA urged 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,” said IILA.
According to evidence –based research, up to 25% of hospital admissions are due to cardiovascular diseases; about 13% of deaths in Kenya are attributable to cardiovascular disease (CVD). In 2024, among causes of death in Kenyan health facilities, CVDs numbered 7,478 deaths, making it one of the top three causes.
Also, a 2023 study led by The George Institute for Global Health and IILA found that setting a limit of no more than 2 grams of iTFAs per 100 grams of total fat in food could prevent 2,000 deaths and 17,000 new cases of heart disease within the next decade saving 50,000 lives and avert over 100,000 new cases.
The policy would cost government and industry approximately USD 9 million (Ksh 940 million) to implement and in return, Kenya’s health system would save an estimated USD 40 million (Ksh 4.1 billion) in treatment costs over the same period.
“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,” said IILA.
