From Compliance to Commitment: How Kitui Flour Mills Is Leading the Fight Against Malnutrition
Over 3.1 billion people (more than 42% of the global population) cannot afford a healthy diet. More than 2 billion people lack essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, iron, and zinc, while an estimated 148 million children under five suffer from stunted growth due to chronic malnutrition. These deficiencies weaken immune systems, impair cognitive development, reduce productivity, and increase the risk of disease.
Why Food Fortification Is Key in the Fight Against Malnutrition
Large-scale food fortification 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.
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.
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) and the Micronutrient Fortification Index (MFI).
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.
The Fight Against Malnutrition: Championing Food Fortification
At the heart of this transformation is the story of Kitui Flour Mills (KFM), one of Kenya’s leading millers that was founded in 1975. TechnoServe began working with KFM in 2018 through the Strengthening African Processors of Fortified Foods 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.
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.
“KMFI has helped us structure our operations. It’s not just a tool; it’s a mirror reflecting who we are and who we aspire to be,” Abduswamad said. “For example, we used insights from the tool to rethink and improve our company’s policies.”
Leveraging Self-Assessment for Growth
One of KMFI’s 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.
Built on KMFI’s 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.
“With self-assessment, we could see ourselves more clearly,” Abduswamad explained. “We don’t wait for external audits to tell us what’s wrong. We act on our own insights.”
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:
- Clearly defined job descriptions and performance evaluations
- Structured induction and onboarding for new staff
- Weekly performance meetings informed by operational data
- Transparent communication and accountability across departments
By leveraging KMFI to continuously improve systems beyond reporting, KFM has enhanced operations and best practices, positioning itself for sustained growth and increased stakeholder confidence. Abduswamad explained that while KMFI may not bring in immediate profits, it builds systems that will sustain the company in the long term. KFM now has automated order tracking and production monitoring tools, ingraining quality assurance into the DNA of the company.
Audit Readiness and Regulatory Confidence
Additionally, KFM’s relationship with the regulator, the Kenya Bureau of Standards, has also strengthened. Abduswamad shared that weekly progress updates and systemized reporting have reduced non-compliance incidents and improved audit preparedness.
“We don’t struggle with audits anymore. We are ready because we have internalized quality as a way of life, not just a requirement,” Abduswamad shared.
Abduswamad’s vision for transformation transcends the mill gates. Through the leadership of the directors and senior management, KFM has strengthened its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, leveraging the same values KMFI promotes—accountability, fairness, and community responsiveness. The company has launched multiple initiatives under the guidance of the directors, including:
- Sponsorship of sports tournaments across the coastal region
- Food donations to schools
- Youth employment partnerships to train and absorb local talent into the company’s operations
“CSR isn’t separate from our business—it’s part of our DNA,” Abduswamad emphasized. “We’re only as strong as the community we serve.”
Expanding the Impact: KMFI Beyond Grains
Looking forward, Abduswamad sees the potential for KMFI to expand into other food sectors. But he cautions that success will require clear accountability and stakeholder trust. According to him, KMFI needs a neutral home—an entity that both millers, food processors, and regulators can trust—to scale this impact across the food industry. His recommendation: trade visits, community engagement, and customer feedback loops to strengthen the case for adoption among non-participating businesses.
As a leader, Abduswamad’s motivations are deeply personal. “I want to go back to my community and make a difference so I can inspire change there.” He also noted that real transformation starts with the mindset. His story is a testament to the power of data, discipline, and purpose-driven leadership. For Kitui Flour Mills, KMFI is no longer just a fortification scorecard, it’s a blueprint for resilient, equitable, and forward-thinking business. As KMFI continues to expand its footprint, champions like Abduswamad are proving that sustainable change begins from the inside out.
