Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni Muriuki has issued a new nutrition advisory to churches across Kenya, calling on religious leaders to promote healthy eating habits among their congregations.
In an official address dated Sunday, November 1, 2026, Muthoni urged church leaders to share nutrition awareness messages during services and through other church communication platforms.
“Church leaders are encouraged to share the following nutrition awareness messages from the Ministry of Health during church services and through other church communication platforms to help congregants understand how good nutrition supports health and wellbeing as well as take appropriate steps to eat well and prevent diet-related illness,” PS Muthoni said.
Muthoni Lists Nutrition Guidelines for Churches
The advisory contains 16 nutrition messages covering healthy diets, fruit and vegetable consumption, food preparation, water intake and the prevention of diet-related illnesses.
Muthoni encouraged Kenyans to eat at least three portions of vegetables daily, including dark green leafy vegetables, carrots, pumpkins, tomatoes, onions and other varieties.
Church leaders were also asked to encourage congregants to eat fruits in moderation, include protein sources such as legumes, meat, nuts and seeds in their meals, and consume foods from different food groups.
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Other recommendations include eating a healthy breakfast containing foods from at least three food groups, choosing nutritious snacks such as green maize, milk, nuts and fruits, and drinking enough water daily.
“Consume healthy and diverse diets every day. In your daily meals, include vegetables, fruits and protein source foods such as legumes, meats, nuts and seeds.”
Ministry Warns Against Unhealthy Diets
Muthoni cautioned against foods high in added sugar, salt, and fats, including sugary drinks, sweets, cakes, biscuits, deep-fried foods, and highly processed snacks.
According to the advisory, unhealthy diets increase the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, some cancers and heart-related complications.
Church leaders were also encouraged to promote healthy cooking methods such as steaming, boiling, baking and roasting instead of deep frying.
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Muthoni further urged Kenyans to undergo regular nutrition checks, even when they feel well, to help detect malnutrition early and receive appropriate guidance.
People living with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension were advised to visit nutritionists for personalised dietary plans.
The advisory also warned against relying on unverified nutrition information shared on social media and urged congregants to seek guidance from qualified nutrition professionals.
“Avoid using unverified messages from social media and people who are not nutrition professionals to prevent consumption of products or diets that may be detrimental to your health.”
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