You’re on campus, late for lectures, and hunger hits. With no time to wait for a proper meal, you rush into the nearest shop. The shelves are crowded with brightly packaged fizzy drinks, biscuits, and crisps. In the rush of daily schedules, cereal often replaces a proper breakfast, while a soda and a piece of cake stand in for dinner, not by intention, but convenience.

For many young people, this doesn’t end on campus. Whether you’re starting your first job, juggling side hustles, or navigating long workdays, the routine looks familiar: tight schedules, limited time, and quick food decisions made on the move. Picture another scenario: you unlock your phone and scroll through social media, only to be met with perfectly curated fridge-restock videos, rows of colourful sugary drinks and neatly packed snack trays, everything made to look effortless and appealing. Before long, your next shopping trip mirrors what you saw online. These snacks quietly become part of your daily routine, the default options during stress, boredom, or long hours. What often goes unnoticed is how these small, repeated choices add up, shaping habits and, eventually, health outcomes.

It feels normal, almost unavoidable. And that’s exactly the point. Over time, these quick fixes aren’t just snacks; they become a lifestyle, rooted in your day-to-day routine. Add the flashy ads on social media, the billboards along the road, and the clever packaging designed to catch your eye, and it’s no wonder that many young Kenyans consume these products without ever thinking about what’s inside.

However, this convenience comes at a cost: these products are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, and it’s not just a minor health blip. The 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey shows that among adolescents aged 15–19 years in Kenya, 13% of girls are overweight or obese, compared to 2% of boys. According to UNICEF ,Globally, 1 in 5 children and adolescents are overweight. The habits you form now, in the rush of campus, in the hustle of your new work life and “fast” life, can shape your health for years to come.

That’s where Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FoPWLs) come in. Imagine grabbing that same soda, and instead of being lured by the bright packaging, you see a clear, bold label warning: “High in Sugar”

These labels are simple, direct, and hard to ignore. They act like a pause button, giving you the chance to make a choice rather than just follow habit or advertisement. Countries like Chile and Mexico have shown that FoPWLs actually change how people perceive and consume unhealthy foods, especially sugary drinks and snacks .Importantly, evidence from these countries also counters common industry claims that such policies harm local businesses or economies. Instead, FoPWLs have helped shift consumer demand without disrupting markets, while contributing to better public health outcomes.

For young Kenyans, this is about taking back control, your control. It’s about knowing, with absolute clarity, what you allow into your body. For far too long, that power has slipped into the hands of advertisers, trends, and the pressure to “just go with the flow.” But your body isn’t a billboard, and your health isn’t a guessing game. This is your reminder that the choices you make today echo far into your future. So, this isn’t just information, it’s your power, returned to you. Right now, snacks and sugary drinks are everywhere, targeting young people with flashy ads and peer pressure. FoPWLs help level the playing field by providing clear information that enables informed decision-making in a food environment designed around quick fixes.

It’s time for young Kenyans to take a stand for their health. Supporting Front-of-Pack Warning Labels isn’t about giving up familiar foods; it’s about knowing what’s inside and making smarter choices. When labels clearly state, “High in Sugar” or “High in Salt”, they create a moment to pause, think, and make healthier choices.

We already know the numbers are serious. According to UNICEF Kenya, more than one million Kenyan children could be living with obesity by 2030. The consequences of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer follow us into adulthood. This isn’t just a personal health issue; it’s a growing public health challenge that affects our healthcare system, economy, and future workforce. Countries that have adopted FoPWLs have shown that clear warning labels reduce the appeal of sugary and ultra-processed foods, thereby helping young people make healthier choices.

For policymakers, Front-of-Pack Warning Labels represent a low-cost, high-impact public health intervention. Diet-related non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers continue to place a growing strain on Kenya’s health system, increasing long-term healthcare costs and reducing productivity. By adopting FoPWLs, Kenya can strengthen prevention efforts, reduce avoidable health expenditures, and align with global best practices that prioritize transparency, consumer protection, and long-term population health.

Supporting the adoption of FoPWLs in Kenya is therefore not merely a public awareness measure, but a strategic investment in the country’s future. These labels offer a practical tool to protect young people, promote informed decision-making, and foster a healthier food environment where convenience does not come with hidden health risks. Timely action will help secure a stronger, healthier next generation for Kenya.

By winlight Harrison: Assistant communication and digital officer at the International Institute for Legislative Affairs.