NCCK Urges Inclusion of Nutrition in National Curriculum to Combat NCD Crisis in Kenya
Churches Push for Nutrition to Be Taught and Examined in Kenyan Schools to Fight NCDs
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has urged the government to incorporate nutrition education into the national curriculum and examination system as a proactive step toward combating the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 9, NCCK called on the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) and the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to not only include nutrition in learning but also assess students on the subject.
“We encourage the Kenya Institute for Curriculum Development, the Kenya National Examinations Council, and all other educational and assessment bodies to add nutrition to their curriculum,” the council stated.
NCCK believes that a population equipped with basic nutrition knowledge will help lower both household and national healthcare costs significantly. The organization emphasized that over half of healthcare spending could be reduced through improved dietary practices.
Churches to Launch Nutrition Awareness Forums
To support this initiative, churches across the country will launch community forums aimed at educating congregants and the public about healthy eating habits. These forums are part of NCCK’s broader campaign to build a nutrition-conscious society.
Call for Regulation of Unhealthy Food Marketing
Beyond the curriculum, NCCK has called on the government to regulate the advertising of foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats—especially those marketed to children. The council proposed a ban on ads featuring child-like characters and restrictions on airing such commercials during times when children are likely to be watching.
“Let us unite to protect our children from the lifelong effects of Non-Communicable Diseases, whose primary risk factor is poor diet,” the council emphasized.
According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), NCDs currently account for 31% of all deaths in Kenya and over 50% of hospital admissions.
NCD Costs and Policy Recommendations
NCCK delegates from Embu, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyeri, Laikipia, and Nyandarua counties highlighted that managing an NCD on an outpatient basis can cost an individual nearly KSh 150,000 annually—placing immense strain on households.
In response to these alarming figures, the council called on Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to consider declaring NCDs a national health emergency. They also advocated for the implementation of comprehensive prevention strategies.
Front-of-Pack Warning Labels Proposed
NCCK further recommended mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on factory-processed foods containing high levels of sugar, salt, or saturated fats. These labels would provide clear and visible information to consumers, helping them make informed dietary choices.
“With a 27% prevalence rate, NCDs demand urgent attention. The burden they place on families and the national healthcare system is enormous and must be addressed as a priority,” the statement concluded.
