ASNET Chairman Dr. Bimal Kantaria says food safety must take precedence over profit, urging stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to protect consumers and advance food fortification in Kenya.
The Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET), led by its Chairman, Dr. Bimal Kantaria, EBS, OGW, participated in the 2026 Kenya Millers Fortification Index (KMFI) Awards, where industry leaders and stakeholders celebrated progress in food fortification and the role of the private sector in improving food quality and nutrition.
The awards were hosted by the Cereal Millers Association (CMA), an ASNET member, together with TechnoServe. The event brought together food processors, government representatives, industry leaders and development partners to recognise businesses championing food fortification in Kenya. Speaking during the event, Dr. Kantaria emphasised that consumer confidence must remain at the centre of the food industry, noting that every Kenyan deserves the assurance that food products purchased from supermarket shelves are safe for consumption.
He commended the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) for supporting private-sector self-regulation and expressed confidence in CMA members’ ability to uphold high standards in food production and processing. Dr. Kantaria underscored that food safety must always take precedence over profit, calling for continued collaboration between government and the private sector to strengthen quality assurance, food safety and food fortification.
KMFI promotes accountability and continuous improvement
The Kenya Millers Fortification Index provides an industry-led platform for benchmarking, learning and continuous improvement among food processors. Through independently verified results, the index seeks to promote accountability, transparency and excellence in food fortification, while encouraging businesses to strengthen their practices and improve the quality of products reaching consumers.
The discussions at the awards also highlighted opportunities to strengthen quality recognition, expand market access, improve local value addition and support the supply of adequately fortified foods.
Strengthening Kenya’s food system
Food fortification is an important component of efforts to improve nutrition and ensure consumers have access to foods that meet established quality and safety standards.
The participation of ASNET and its members at the KMFI Awards reflects the role of private-sector leadership and collaboration in strengthening Kenya’s food system. ASNET congratulated the Cereal Millers Association and all award recipients for their commitment to improving food quality, nutrition and consumer protection. The organisation emphasised that a stronger food system depends on responsible industry leadership, effective partnerships and a shared commitment to putting consumer health first.
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