Kenya’s public health experts are calling on the government to take immediate action to ban harmful tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and oral nicotine pouches, warning that these products are designed to target vulnerable populations, especially youth and children. This call comes as concerns grow over the negative health impacts of these products, despite claims by some that they are "safer alternatives" to smoking.
The Tobacco Control Act, passed in 2007, led to a significant decrease in tobacco usage in Kenya. At that time, the tobacco prevalence rate was 23%, but today, it has dropped to just 8.5%. This decline occurred without the introduction of e-cigarettes and other alternatives that are now being aggressively marketed by the tobacco industry.
Experts argue that the tobacco industry is shifting tactics, introducing new products aimed at hooking a new generation of users. These products, which are heavily promoted with enticing flavors and appealing designs, are increasingly popular among youth, raising alarms about a potential public health crisis.
“These products are not being marketed to adults who are trying to quit smoking—they are being marketed to children, teenagers, and young adults,” said a leading public health advocate. “The flavors, the sleek designs, and the social media campaigns are all part of a deliberate strategy to create a new generation of nicotine addicts.”
Kenyans who have used oral nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes report harmful side effects, further fueling concerns about their safety. While proponents of these products argue that they offer a safer alternative to traditional tobacco use, many health experts remain unconvinced, citing growing evidence of their risks.
The debate over these products has been amplified by the actions of the so-called Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates, who claim that e-cigarettes and oral nicotine pouches could help reduce smoking rates. However, critics argue that these advocates are promoting faulty science and overlooking the potential harms these products pose to young people.
“These advocates do not have better scientific understanding than researchers in places like Canada, the United States, and the Netherlands,” said one health expert. “The evidence is clear that these products are harmful and can lead to addiction, particularly among youth.”
The Kenyan government is facing increasing pressure to act swiftly. Principal Secretary for Health, Ms. Muthoni, has echoed concerns about the dangers posed by these products. “If these products are truly therapeutic, they should be regulated as prescription drugs and sold in pharmacies,” she said. “They should not be available for sale to the general public, especially where young people can easily access them.”
As the tobacco industry seeks to expand its reach in Kenya, public health advocates warn that the country must remain vigilant in protecting future generations from the dangers of nicotine addiction. Experts are calling for a ban on e-cigarettes and oral nicotine pouches to prevent a resurgence of tobacco use and safeguard the health of the nation’s youth.
The debate over these products highlights a growing global concern over the long-term impact of e-cigarettes and other tobacco alternatives. With Kenya's success in reducing smoking rates over the past decade, experts argue that now is the time for the country to reaffirm its commitment to becoming a tobacco- and nicotine-free nation.