Kenya’s Nutrient Profile Model: Regulatory implications for food and drink businesses

As regulatory action around healthier food environments accelerates globally, Kenya has taken a significant step by publishing its first Nutrient Profile Model (NPM). This development has the potential to shape future policies, not only within Kenya but across the wider East African Community (EAC). For businesses operating in the region, understanding the model and preparing for its implications is essential.

A new framework for health-driven food policy

Kenya’s Nutrient Profile Model, released by the Ministry of Health in October 2025, provides a structured approach for assessing the nutritional profile healthiness of prepackaged foods and beverages. Designed to support other interventions such as fiscal measures and front of pack nutrition labelling (FOPNL) that promote balanced diets and reduce noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), the model introduces nutrient limits for:

• Total sugars
• Sodium
• Total fat
• Saturated fat

In alignment with WHO guidance, it also sets a limit on industrially-produced trans-fat at no more than 2g per 100g of total fat. Furthermore, the model extends beyond nutrients, defining criteria for ultra-processed foods and establishing restrictions on the marketing of foods and beverages containing non-nutritive sweeteners to children.

Based on the WHO guidance, differing nutrient thresholds apply to 11 broad food categories, applying Codex food additive categorisation. These limits are generally calculated per 100g or 100ml.

A catalyst for wider regional policy change

Kenya’s NPM is positioned to influence regulatory developments across the EAC, where discussions on FOPNL and other public health measures are gaining momentum. The draft EAC Guideline on the development of Front of Pack Nutrition Labelling aims to harmonise approaches across member states and if a unified system is adopted, Kenya’s NPM could serve as a key reference point. For industry, such regional alignment could mean that mandatory FOPNL schemes – potentially including black octagonal warning labels proposed in Kenya – could become the scheme within the EAC.

Implications for food and drink businesses

While timelines have not yet been defined, draft legislation can be expected within the next 12 to 24 months.

Kenya’s NPM is likely to shape several regulatory measures going forward, including:

• FOPNL requirements
• Marketing restrictions, particularly for products aimed at children
• Fiscal measures on foods and beverages exceeding nutrient threshold values

For food and beverage businesses operating in Kenya and across the EAC, early preparation will be important. This may include:

• Assessing product portfolios in light of potential regulatory changes and identifying possible reformulation needs
• Considering how classifications such as “ultra processed” could affect product positioning, marketing or innovation plans

Taking these steps now can support smoother adaptation once formal requirements are introduced.

How Leatherhead Food Research can help

As the regulatory landscape evolves across the East African Community, Leatherhead’s ongoing monitoring helps ensure you have the information you need, when you need it. If you’re looking to stay ahead of developments and reduce uncertainty around compliance, our global regulatory experts can provide guidance tailored to your needs. To learn more about accessing this support through membership, please contact our membership team.