Kenaf seed oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), which are susceptible to lipid oxidation. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of carboxymethylcellulose, maltodextrin and soy lecithin to be used as wall materials to microencapsulate kenaf seed oil. Emulsion was prepared at core wall ratio of 1:3. The emulsion prepared was spray dried at 160 degrees C inlet temperature and physical characteristics of microencapsulated kenaf seed oil (MKSO) including micro encapsulation efficiency (MEE) were carried out. An in-vitro digestion was carried out to examine the oil release behaviour of MKSO. The changes in oxidative stabilities, antioxidant stabilities and bioactive compounds of bulk kenaf seed oil (BKSO) and MKSO before and after digestion were evaluated. This combination of wall materials was successfully improved the bioaccessibility of kenaf seed oil and delivered the oil to be released during intestinal digestion. Digested MKSO had lower lipid oxidation value, lower loss of antioxidant activities and lower degradation of bioactive compounds compared to digested BKSO. This study indicated that microencapsulation of kenaf seed oil with carboxymethylcellulose, maltodextrin and soy lecithin offered an effective protection to kenaf seed oil during digestion. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.