Ruth Okowa

Regional Director Brac International | Agile and thought leader.

[Ruth Okowa @RuthOkowa]

@GAINAlliance_KE @FINASAfrica @GAINalliance @SimwaMurundo @SheilaJared @NyandaruaCG018 @NakuruCountyGov At the height of FINAS summit 2026, food systems financing is key- we need different kinds of financing, government to leverage on different private financing vehicles

[GAIN Kenya @GAINAlliance_KE]

Kenya has strong nutrition policies; but impact happens at the county level. Without funded & operational CNAPs, nutrition stays invisible in county budgets, fueling stunting & anemia. Counties must move from paper to practice. Read the OpEd by @RuthOkowa 👉 https://t.co/h7fUYdxZaE #HealthierDiets4All

[GAIN Kenya @GAINAlliance_KE]

We are pleased to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with @UNICEFKenya to enhance children's access to and consumption of #nutritious foods #HealthierDiets4All

[GAIN Kenya @GAINAlliance_KE]

The Kenya UNFSS Stocktaking Moment convened government leaders, policymakers, researchers, private sector players, farmers, youth, and civil society to reflect on progress, share learnings, and galvanize collective action to transform food systems to deliver healthier diets for Kenyans.

At the #DiverfiedDiets exhibition booth, we showcased transformative innovations driving equitable access to safe, nutritious, and affordable foods:
🍽️ 1. Commercialization of Biofortified Crops (CBC)
Through high iron and zinc bean varieties (Nyota, Faida, & Angaza), the CBC programme reached almost 4 million people, supported about 200K farmers, and strengthened markets for nutrient-enriched foods.
🍠 2. SnackSmart Alliance Social Enterprise
A homegrown social enterprise that is providing nutritious, locally sourced snacks made from indigenous ingredients in response to poor dietary diversity and the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods.
🍛 3. Food Culture Alliance
This is Kenya's first-of-its-kind multisectoral initiative that leverages food culture to shift preferences toward nutritious, sustainable foods. The Alliance uses powerful cultural levers of change: narratives, social identity, changing beliefs and culinary strategies, to transform food habits.
Together, we’re catalysing Kenya’s food systems transformation—through research, partnerships, and people-centred innovations.
#UNFSS4KE #UNFSS4KE2025 #DiversifiedDiets #GAINImpact #HealthierDiets4All #FoodSystemsTransformation #FoodFortification #FoodCulture #SmartSnack

[GAIN Kenya @GAINAlliance_KE]

Media Briefing Ahead of the Kenya National Food Systems Summit

Earlier today, our Country Director, @RuthOkowa, joined the Principal Secretary, @kilimoKE @DrRonohpaul and other partners for a media briefing ahead of the upcoming National Food Systems Stocktaking Summit scheduled for 15–16 April 2025 at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi.

In her address, Ms. Okowa underscored the critical role of the media in transforming food systems—by shaping public perception, influencing healthier consumer choices, and holding key actors accountable.

"The media is a vital ally in our journey toward more diversified, nutritious diets and resilient food systems," she said.

GAIN is committed to working alongside the Government and partners to promote diverse, nutritious, and culturally appropriate diets to address malnutrition and non-communicable diseases in Kenya.
#UNFSS4KE #UNFSS2025 #FoodSystemsKE #HealthierDiets4All

[GAIN Kenya @GAINAlliance_KE]

We are honoured to be part of Kenya’s journey toward building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems for all.

Join us for the Kenya National Food Systems Summit (UNFSS+4 Edition) as we come together to reflect, share progress, and accelerate collective action to transform Kenya's food systems to deliver healthier diets for all.
📅 Date: 15–16 April 2025
📍 Venue: Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi
🕗 Time: 8 AM–5 PM
🔗 Register now: https://t.co/MwXlR41sHx
#UNFSS4KE #UNFSS2025 #FoodSystemsKE #HealthierDiets4All

[Ruth Okowa @RuthOkowa]

@mohamedosmanMsa @A_S_Nassir @TourismMombasa @GAINAlliance_KE @MombasaCountyKe It was truly an exciting moment to partner with the County Government of Mombasa to deliver the much needed cold room for freshness of vegetables and fruits. We must reduce food waste and loss.

[GAIN Kenya @GAINAlliance_KE]

Investing in mama mbogas means investing in economic empowerment and nutritional well-being of their communities. We celebrate and support these change-makers that are part of shaping a healthier future for all. #IWD2025 #Vegetables4All #FoodFiti #HealthierDiets4All

[GAIN Kenya @GAINAlliance_KE]

Behind every nutritious meal in Kenya, there is a mama mboga working tirelessly. Yet, they face challenges like unreliable supply and poor market infrastructure. FoodFiti is providing business development support & connecting vendors with suppliers of quality produce, ensuring both economic and community transformation.

Watch this inspiring story of Betty Ijendeka:
#IWD2025 #VegetablesForAll #WomenInFoodSystems #HealthierDiets4All

[GAIN Kenya @GAINAlliance_KE]

My Government has undertaken several other projects with @GAINalliance, key among them the training of mama mbogas on food safety & renovation of market sheds and toilets. This has created a more hygienic and conducive environment for our traders and ensured consumers can access safe food- @Wavinya_Ndeti
#HealthierDiets4All #ResilientMarkets

[Ruth Okowa @RuthOkowa]

@l_haddad @GAINAlliance_KE @GAINalliance @Wavinya_Ndeti @Machakos_Gov @BonnieMusembi @SimwaMurundo @MaureenMuketha @kilimoKE Indeed a game changer in the food system transformation, reduced loss and increased income

[GAIN Kenya @GAINAlliance_KE]

We are collaborating with @RadioJamboKenya in FoodFiti onground consumer engagement through cooking demonstrations and roadshows in Maji Mazuri, Kasarani to encourage consumers to increase vegetable variety and frequency of vegetable consumption. #FoodFiti #HealthierDiets4All

[GAIN Nigeria @GAINalliance_Ng]

Join us for the Award Ceremony celebrating the winners of our Microgrant Funding for Nutritious Businesses.

This ceremony recognizes businesses transforming biofortified crops into #nutritious food products.🌽🍠

🌐Join us virtually: https://t.co/bS5VwY64Ks

#HealthierDiets4AlI

[GAIN Kenya @GAINAlliance_KE]

Join our CD @RuthOkowa live on @citizentvkenya as she unpacks the current state of nutrition in Kenya & shares key strategies to improve access to healthier diets for a better nourished and economically productive nation. Afya bora huanza na chakula bora. #HealthierDiets4All

[GAIN Kenya @GAINAlliance_KE]

Reflections from our staff on what our newly launched business plan means for the organisation and for Kenya. #HealthierDiets4All #GAINKEVision2027

[Eric Njiru ⚽️ @EricNjiiru]

A thread of some the best 📸 from the #WRCSafariRally
1.

[Charity Ngilu @mamangilu]

When your ill attempted insult at an opponent becomes a passionate clarion call that galvanizes your opponent’s campaign. @RailaOdinga @MarthaKarua Mt Kenya nimurajigwa?