FAO sharpens Kenya’s food systems debate at Africa Food Show 2026

Kenya opened the Africa Food Show 2026 Conference at KICC, with government officials Mercy Wanjau, Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, and Jonathan Mueke setting the tone. However, FAO's Farayi Zimudzi delivered a compelling challenge: nutrition alone cannot guarantee healthy food on anyone's plate. After acknowledging Kenya's progress in production and value addition, Zimudzi argued that food safety, processing, and availability are crucial for healthy diets.

She cited a study showing pesticides exceeding limits in common vegetables like tomatoes, kale, spinach, and onions. Zimudzi's message emphasized that food must be safe to be healthy, echoing WHO guidance. She also highlighted the importance of food processing, urging the sector to protect nutritional quality without making nutritious processed foods unaffordable.

Zimudzi questioned the extent of knowledge about soil health, crop varieties, storage, and processing, asserting that agriculture, health, and other sectors must collaborate. FAO is partnering with Kenya to develop Food Systems-Based Dietary Guidelines, aiming to address systemic changes for healthy eating. The conference reinforced the need for whole-of-government coordination, with all stakeholders playing a role in ensuring safe, diverse, nutritious, and affordable food for all citizens while protecting the environment.