Kenyan Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Saturday marked World No Tobacco Day with renewed calls to strengthen policy measures to protect young people from being targeted by the tobacco and nicotine industry.
Eight organisations, under the umbrella of the Kenya Tobacco and Nicotine Tax Coalition (KTNTC), issued a passionate appeal to the government, Parliament, and relevant regulatory bodies to amend the Tobacco Control Act.
They stated that the move would help enforce a ban on nicotine pouches, strengthen the regulation of e-cigarettes, and restrict the use of flavours in tobacco and nicotine products.
Additionally, KTNTC called for a ban on digital marketing of tobacco and nicotine products, the introduction of mandatory graphic health warnings, and the implementation of high excise taxes in line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines
It also advocated for the expansion of cessation programs, particularly for youth aged 15–24, and the full implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), including bans on single-stick cigarette sales and public smoking.
The call to action came amid a directive by the Ministry of Health suspending all existing licenses related to the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, or promotion of nicotine products in the country.
Speaking in Eldoret when he destroyed 5.5 tonnes of seized tobacco-related products on Saturday, the Health CS Adan Duale called on Kenyans to stand against illicit tobacco, noting that it’s a threat to public health and national security.
Duale said all persons currently licensed will now be required to reapply afresh within 21 days by observing full compliance laws for vetting.
Unmasking the Appeal
WNTD 2025 was commemorated under the universal theme: “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.”
“This year’s campaign shines a spotlight on the manipulative marketing strategies employed by the tobacco and nicotine industry, particularly those that target children and young adults through flavoured products, deceptive packaging, and aggressive digital advertising. These tactics are contributing to a disturbing rise in nicotine dependence among Kenya’s youth”, noted KTNTC.
The CSOs, at the same time, expressed concern over the growing interference by the tobacco industry in public health policymaking, describing it as a major obstacle to progress in tobacco control.
” The Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index shows a deterioration in Kenya’s score from 33 in 2019 to 48 in 2023,” it noted, citing key concerns such as persistent legal challenges to the implementation of GHWs and the spread of misinformation by the industry to delay regulatory action.
The highlight of the day was interfaith prayers and a public procession in Nairobi, aimed at raising awareness and mobilising action against tobacco and nicotine use.
The coalition comprises the Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance (KETCA), Consumer Information Network (CIN), Den of Hope Youth Group, International Institute for Legislative Affairs (IILA), Kenya Network of Cancer Organizations (KENCO), National Tax Payers Association (NTA), Non-Communicable Disease Alliance Kenya (NCDAK) and Students Campaign Against Drugs.
