Nairobi, Kenya- The number of tobacco consumers has been rising in recent years, posing increasing threats of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). To this end, the government is now stepping up its efforts to curb tobacco use and protect public health through a comprehensive approach involving policy changes, taxation, and public awareness campaigns.
Speaking during the 3rd Annual Tobacco Taxation Conference in Nairobi, the Chairperson of the Tobacco Control Board, Naomi Shaban, said that there is renewed commitment to implement the Tobacco Control Act 2007.
“We are working closely with the civil society to ensure that we meet the goals of the Tobacco Control Act,” said Shaban. “We are going to regulate both traditional cigarettes and new tobacco products to protect our public health.”
She also stated that the Ministry of Health plans to raise taxes on tobacco products to curb consumption. Shaban also noted that higher prices would make tobacco products less accessible, thereby discouraging use.
However, it is not clear whether tobacco users will still, access the products
“We are collaborating with NACADA, the Tobacco Control Board, and the Ministry of Health to ensure all market products are registered and eliminate illicit ones,” said Naomi.
Dr. Andrew Toro, head of the Drug and Substance Abuse Control Division at the Ministry of Health, also highlighted the need to amend the Tobacco Control Act to address new products and enhance public awareness campaigns.
He stressed the ministry’s goal is to protect public health and ensure that no Kenyan suffers from tobacco-related diseases.
Kenya is ranked 7th in Africa among tobacco users. Notably tobacco farming is documented in 13 of the 47 counties of Kenya, with approximately 3.1 million consumers. Worse still, 2.5% of youth are directly targeted by the industry.
Celine Awour, the Chief Executive Officer of the International Institute of Legislative Affairs, also noted that low and unadjusted taxes make cigarettes affordable, particularly for children.
She called for stronger taxation on all tobacco products, including new ones like nicotine pouches and electronic cigarettes, to curb usage among youth.