By Njoroge David

Childhood obesity has overtaken underweight for the first time in Kenya and across the globe, according to a new UNICEF report that warns millions of children now face increased risks of life-threatening diseases linked to poor diets.

In Kenya, the report shows stark gender differences: 13 per cent of girls aged 15 to 19 are overweight or obese, compared to just 2 per cent of boys in the same age group. Projections suggest that by 2030, more than one million Kenyan children aged 5 to 19 could be living with obesity.

“Obesity is a growing concern that can impact the health and development of children. Ultra-processed food is increasingly replacing fruits, vegetables and protein at a time when nutrition plays a critical role,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

UNICEF Kenya Country Representative Shaheen Nilofer noted that the country’s rising trend is being fuelled by the rapid shift toward energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods, compounded by the aggressive marketing of unhealthy products.

“The growing burden of overweight and obesity is driven by a shift toward energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods and the aggressive marketing of unhealthy products,” she said.

The report highlights that in Kenya, Nyeri, Nyamira, Kisii and Nairobi counties record the highest levels of childhood overweight, with 6 per cent of children under five already affected.

Globally, one in 10 children now lives with obesity, the report found. While the proportion of underweight children aged 5 to 19 has dropped from nearly 13 per cent in 2000 to 9.2 per cent, obesity rates have tripled—from 3 per cent to 9.4 per cent over the same period.

UNICEF is calling for urgent action to curb the crisis, including bans on junk food sales in schools, stricter food labelling regulations, and stronger social protection measures to improve access to nutritious diets.

“Nutritious and affordable food must be available to every child to support their growth and development. We urgently need policies that support parents and caretakers to access nutritious and healthy foods for their children,” said Russell.