Kenya is set to host the Kenya Micronutrient Fortification Index (KMFI) Awards 2025 to recognise food millers excelling in fortifying staple foods such as wheat flour, maize flour and edible oils.

The event, organised by Millers for Nutrition (M4N) in partnership with the Cereal Millers Association (CMA), is scheduled for September 16 in Nairobi.

It will bring together industry leaders, government officials, regulators, development partners and civil society to celebrate companies that have consistently met or exceeded fortification standards.

“The event will celebrate millers who have demonstrated outstanding performance in food fortification, highlight innovations shaping the future of large-scale food fortification (LSFF), and drive strategic discussions for scale and sustainability,” Millers for Nutrition said in a statement.

According to M4N, national surveys show that 18 percent of children under five are stunted, while over 60 percent of women are iron deficient, pointing to persistent micronutrient deficiencies despite years of fortification efforts.

“These figures highlight both the progress made and the opportunity for deeper collaboration, innovation, and accountability across the food system to deliver greater impact, particularly from the private sector, whose continued leadership is critical.”

M4N lauded Kenya’s achievements in eliminating iodine deficiency through salt iodization and later making the fortification of maize flour, wheat flour and edible oils mandatory.

“Food processors have played a pivotal role in translating these policies into action, helping to expand access to fortified products nationwide,” it said.

The KMFI, introduced in 2023, is designed as a self-regulatory platform that promotes transparency and benchmarking among millers while complementing government enforcement by creating incentives through recognition, visibility and peer learning.

And as stakeholders push for stronger private sector participation in bridging existing gaps, M4N says the coalition is targeting to improve nutrition for one billion people globally by 2026, with Kenya identified as a priority country.