Food processors expand fortification efforts as index grows to 32 firms

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 2 – Food processing companies have been recognised for their performance in food fortification and quality assurance under the 2026 Kenya Millers Fortification Index (KMFI) Awards. The awards, organised by the Cereal Millers Association (CMA) in partnership with TechnoServe and Millers for Nutrition, assess processors on their efforts to improve the nutritional quality and safety of everyday food products. The index, introduced in 2022, has grown from five companies representing 41 brands to 32 companies with 144 brands in 2026. It covers maize flour, wheat flour and edible oils, with participating products estimated to reach 45 million Kenyans daily. The assessment is based equally on operational processes and independent laboratory tests. Operational performance accounts for 50 percent of the score and covers staff training, raw material procurement, production controls, governance and consumer engagement. The other half is based on laboratory tests measuring micronutrient levels and product safety. Among the companies recognised were Unga Group, Mombasa Maize Millers, Buffalo Millers, United Millers and Pembe Flour Mills, which featured in various milling and sustainability categories. In the edible oil category, Kapa Oil Refineries emerged as the overall winner, followed by Pwani Oil Products and Vipingo Industries. CMA Chief Executive Officer Paloma Fernandes said the index was helping processors increase investment in food fortification and safety while building consumer confidence. “Localising the KMFI is not just about moving a programme from one organisation to another. It is about the private sector embracing the initiative, shaping its future, investing in it and making sure it continues long after the initial programme support has ended,” Fernandes said. CMA Board Chairman Beju Shah said food manufacturers continued to face challenges including rising production costs, overlapping regulations, pending subsidy payments and delays at ports. The awards come amid concerns over micronutrient deficiencies among Kenyan children. The 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey found that 18 percent of children under five were stunted, while four percent experienced wasting and 11 percent were underweight.