By Dennis Gichuiri
The Kenya Tobacco and Nicotine Tax Coalition (KTNTC) has called on Parliament to urgently pass the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, warning that delays could expose more children and young people to addictive nicotine products.
Addressing the media in Nairobi on Thursday, the coalition urged the National Assembly to retain the Bill’s key provisions aimed at regulating emerging nicotine products such as electronic cigarettes, vapes and nicotine pouches, which it says are increasingly targeting young users.
KTNTC argued that Kenya’s tobacco control laws have failed to keep pace with rapidly evolving nicotine products that are often marketed through attractive flavours, colourful packaging and modern designs that make them appealing to children and youth.
“This Bill is about protecting our children and youth from addiction. It is about closing dangerous loopholes that the tobacco and nicotine industry has exploited for years,” the coalition said.
The coalition pointed to a recent incident involving a student at Moi High School Kabarak who was reportedly found in possession of a vape device, describing it as evidence that nicotine products are finding their way into schools.
According to KTNTC, the case highlighted the growing challenge posed by discreet nicotine products that are easy to conceal and difficult for parents and teachers to detect.
The coalition further cited findings from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), which indicate that some Kenyan children are exposed to tobacco and nicotine products at alarmingly young ages. It noted that recent studies have reported initiation ages as low as five years for some tobacco and nicotine products.
“Once children as young as five years are being exposed to highly addictive nicotine products, this is no longer simply a tobacco control issue. It is a child protection issue and a national development issue,” the coalition stated.
KTNTC accused tobacco and nicotine companies of using flavours such as mint and strawberry and designing products that resemble everyday electronic devices in order to attract young consumers.
The coalition said the proposed legislation seeks to close regulatory gaps by introducing stricter controls on emerging nicotine products, including restrictions on flavours, stronger health warnings and tougher product standards.
Among the measures proposed in the Bill are the regulation of electronic cigarettes and nicotine pouches under the Tobacco Control Act, prohibition of additives and flavourings that appeal to children, mandatory child-resistant packaging, limits on nicotine concentrations, a ban on disposable e-cigarettes and the expansion of graphic health warnings on tobacco and nicotine products.
The coalition also wants restrictions on the sale of tobacco and nicotine products within 100 metres of facilities primarily serving children.
KTNTC dismissed claims that stronger regulation would fuel illicit trade, arguing that enforcement challenges should not be used to weaken public health protections.
The group further questioned assertions that emerging nicotine products are effective harm-reduction tools, citing concerns that many non-smoking young people are being introduced to nicotine through vapes and nicotine pouches.
According to the coalition, tobacco use continues to impose a heavy burden on Kenya’s health system and economy. It noted that tobacco-related illnesses contribute significantly to cases of cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses and other chronic conditions.
The coalition warned that every delay in passing the legislation gives the tobacco and nicotine industry more time to recruit new users, particularly among the youth.
KTNTC has now called on the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health and all Members of Parliament to support the Bill and ensure its swift passage without weakening key public health provisions.
“The health of our children and youth cannot wait. Parliament must act, and act swiftly,” the coalition said.
