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Leading health experts have strongly condemned recent comments by Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, accusing her of spreading "dangerous misinformation" regarding smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes, such as vapes and nicotine pouches.
Muthoni's remarks, made in a public statement, claimed that these products posed “dire health implications,” a statement that experts argue lacks scientific backing. The comments come as Parliament considers legislation regulating these alternatives.
Dr. Michael Kariuki, Secretary General of the Harm Reduction Society of Kenya (HRS), sharply criticized Muthoni for ignoring global scientific consensus on the matter. He argued that such rhetoric could dissuade smokers from adopting alternatives that are proven to be significantly less harmful than traditional combustible cigarettes.
“The Principal Secretary’s remarks ignore the wealth of evidence showing that smoke-free alternatives, such as vapes and nicotine pouches, are safer than smoking,” Dr. Kariuki said. “This could ultimately harm public health and slow efforts to reduce smoking-related deaths.”
The HRS emphasized that smoke-free nicotine products have been instrumental in helping millions of people worldwide quit smoking, with research indicating they pose a lower risk to health compared to smoking cigarettes. The World Health Organization (WHO) supports the use of nicotine in certain forms, recognizing nicotine replacement therapies, such as patches and gums, as essential medicines.
Dr. Kariuki pointed out that the primary harm from tobacco consumption arises from the burning process, which produces harmful toxins. Non-combustible nicotine products, in contrast, significantly reduce this risk.
“Countries like Sweden, the UK, and New Zealand have embraced these alternatives with positive results. Kenya should take a similar approach rather than resorting to unfounded opposition,” Dr. Kariuki added.
The HRS called on Kenyan lawmakers to prioritize evidence-based regulations that safeguard both the safety and accessibility of smoke-free alternatives, stressing the importance of empowering adult smokers to make informed, healthier choices.
In response to the Ministry of Health’s stance, Dr. Kariuki also urged the Ministry to collaborate with health experts and researchers to ensure policies are rooted in scientific evidence. “Rejecting harm reduction strategies at this juncture only condemns smokers to preventable harm,” he warned. “We stand ready to collaborate with the government to develop pragmatic, science-backed solutions that prioritize saving lives.”
As the debate continues, the HRS and other health advocates are pushing for policies that encourage harm reduction and better support smokers in their journey to quit.