Harrison Andeko, Program Officer at Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance Kenya; Erick Omondi, Program Officer at Students Campaign Against Drugs (SCAD); Patrick Nyangweso, CEO of the National Taxpayers Association (NTA); Prisca Githuka, Vice Chair of the Board at the Kenyan Network of Cancer Organizations (KENCO); Celine Awuor, CEO of the International Institute for Legislative Affairs (IILA); David Odhiambo, Executive Director of Den of Hope Group (DOHG); and Thomas Lindi, CEO of the Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance (KETCA).
The Kenya Tobacco and Nicotine Tax Coalition has called on Parliament to urgently pass the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill 2024, warning that emerging nicotine products designed to attract young people pose a growing threat to Kenya's children.
The coalition, which released a press statement on June 12, expressed alarm over the rapid expansion of electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and other emerging tobacco products that are increasingly finding their way into schools and homes across the country.
The concern was highlighted by a recent incident at Moi High School Kabarak, where a student was found in possession of a vape—a sleek, discreet nicotine device designed to evade detection. The incident exposed how emerging nicotine products have penetrated Kenya's educational institutions.
"This was not a conventional cigarette. It was a sleek, discreet nicotine product designed to be easy to conceal, easy to use, and appealing to young people," said Thomas Lindi, country coordinator at Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance (KETCA). "The Moi High School Kabarak case is a warning sign that no school, no community, and no family should assume they are immune."
According to the 2024 Kenya Data on Youth and Tobacco (DaYTA) report, children as young as five years old are being exposed to smokeless tobacco and roll-your-own cigarettes, while six-year-olds are using nicotine pouches and shisha. The coalition described this as alarming, noting that tobacco kills approximately 12,000 Kenyans annually.
Senate Bill No. 35 of 2024 seeks to close regulatory loopholes by bringing emerging nicotine products under stronger control. The proposed measures include prohibiting characterizing flavors such as fruit, mint, and candy; requiring child-resistant and tamper-proof packaging; limiting nicotine concentrations; banning disposable e-cigarettes; and increasing health warning labels from 30 percent to 75 percent of product packaging.
The coalition expressed concern over attempts to weaken or delay the legislation. "Some have attempted to raise fears about illicit trade, but illicit trade is an enforcement issue and should never be used as an excuse to weaken public health protections," Lindi said. "Others are calling for delays, but every delay benefits the tobacco and nicotine industry. While discussions continue, new nicotine products continue finding their way into homes, schools and universities across Kenya."
The bill also proposes restricting sales of tobacco and nicotine products within 100 meters of facilities primarily serving children, and extending pictorial health warnings to all tobacco and nicotine products.
Globally, 121 countries regulate electronic cigarettes, with 87 adopting full or partial regulations and 34 implementing outright bans. In Africa, Ethiopia, Gambia, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Uganda have banned e-cigarettes. The coalition argues Kenya's proposed measures represent internationally recognized best practices.
"The question before Parliament is simple: Will we act now to protect the next generation, or will we allow the tobacco and nicotine industry to recruit the next generation of customers?" Lindi asked, urging lawmakers to support the bill without unnecessary delay.
The coalition is calling on the Departmental Committee on Health to prioritize the bill and Members of Parliament to ensure its swift passage through all legislative stages.
