{"id":7317,"date":"2026-01-19T10:39:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T10:39:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fci4africa.eu\/?p=7317"},"modified":"2026-01-19T10:48:40","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T10:48:40","slug":"how-kitui-flour-mills-is-leading-the-fight-against-malnutrition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fci4africa.eu\/sw\/how-kitui-flour-mills-is-leading-the-fight-against-malnutrition\/","title":{"rendered":"How Kitui Flour Mills Is Leading the Fight Against Malnutrition"},"content":{"rendered":"
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This article is republished from TechnoServe<\/a>, a partner in the FCI4Africa project. The case highlights how data-driven approaches, organisational learning, and accountability mechanisms can strengthen food fortification systems and contribute to healthier, more resilient food systems. These objectives are closely aligned with FCI4Africa\u2019s mission to support fair, safe, and sustainable food and trade systems in Africa.<\/em><\/p>\n

Over 3.1 billion people<\/a> (more than 42% of the global population) cannot afford a healthy diet. More than 2 billion people<\/a> lack essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, iron, and zinc, while an estimated 148 million children under five<\/a> suffer from stunted growth due to chronic malnutrition. These deficiencies weaken immune systems, impair cognitive development, reduce productivity, and increase the risk of disease.<\/p>\n

Why Food Fortification Is Key in the Fight Against Malnutrition<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Large-scale food fortification<\/a> has emerged as a cost-effective, sustainable solution to malnutrition. The process involves adding essential vitamins and minerals to everyday foods. Since the early 20th century, countries across the globe have used food fortification to combat nutrient deficiencies. Switzerland was the first to pioneer this through its salt iodization program that eliminated goiter in 1923.<\/p>\n

Today, over 140 countries implement food fortification. More than 85 countries fortify cereals, such as maize, rice, or wheat, and over 40 countries fortify oil or sugar with vitamins A and D. However, many low- and middle-income countries struggle with national compliance despite having mandatory food fortification regulations in place. They lag behind due to limited incentives, weak enforcement systems, and a lack of transparency.<\/p>\n

Since 2018, TechnoServe and the Gates Foundation have partnered with food industry leaders in Kenya and Nigeria to develop the Kenya Millers Fortification Index (KMFI)<\/a> and the Micronutrient Fortification Index (MFI)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

These indices help food processors identify gaps, benchmark against industry best practices, and strengthen their systems and profitability. They also serve to recognize and reward food processors who have shown a strong commitment to improving the nutritional and health outcomes of the communities they serve.<\/p>\n

The Fight Against Malnutrition: Championing Food Fortification<\/strong><\/h4>\n

At the heart of this transformation is the story of Kitui Flour Mills (KFM)<\/a>, one of Kenya\u2019s leading millers that was founded in 1975. TechnoServe began working with KFM in 2018 through the Strengthening African Processors of Fortified Foods<\/a> program, an initiative to enhance food fortification. As a key seller of fortified flour for local communities, KFM faced internal challenges with consistency, communication, and compliance.<\/p>\n

Rather than treat the KMFI as just another tool, KFM used it as a vehicle for broader organizational change. They used it to realign policies, systems, and the company culture to meet a higher standard of accountability and performance. At the forefront of this transformation have been the CEO, directors, and Abduswamad Omar Abubakar, the head of human resources and a visionary in organizational transformation.<\/p>\n

\u201cKMFI has helped us structure our operations. It\u2019s not just a tool; it\u2019s a mirror reflecting who we are and who we aspire to be,\u201d Abduswamad said. \u201cFor example, we used insights from the tool to rethink and improve our company\u2019s policies.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leveraging Self-Assessment for Growth<\/strong><\/h4>\n

One of KMFI\u2019s most powerful resources is the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) that has enabled KFM to adopt a structured, data-led approach to organizational improvement. By regularly using the tool in their work, KFM has improved internal controls and boosted productivity.<\/p>\n

Built on KMFI\u2019s tiered evaluation framework, the SAT assesses companies across a range of operational areas, including foundational systems and more advanced practices in quality control, governance, and workforce management. This structure allows firms not only to self-diagnose internal gaps but also to benchmark progress against industry best practices and peer performance through validation by an independent consultant.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith self-assessment, we could see ourselves more clearly,\u201d Abduswamad explained. \u201cWe don\u2019t wait for external audits to tell us what\u2019s wrong. We act on our own insights.\u201d<\/p>\n

Since adopting the SAT, KFM has seen improvements across food safety, human resources, and internal controls. Abduswamad highlights that one of the most significant changes has been in people management, with the company institutionalizing several key practices:<\/p>\n