Civil society coalition demands bold reforms as flavoured nicotine products hook Kenya’s next generation.

 

Nairobi, Kenya – 31 May 2025
The Kenyan Network of Cancer Organizations (KENCO) joined forces with seven other civil society partners under the Kenya Tobacco and Nicotine Tax Coalition (KTNTC) to mark World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2025, held under the theme “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.” The national event, hosted at Kaloleni Social Hall in Nairobi, featured a public procession from City Stadium and an interfaith prayer, drawing attention to the growing health threat posed by the tobacco and nicotine industry’s marketing to youth.

KTNTC spotlighted the industry’s aggressive use of flavoured products, digital advertising, and attractive packaging—often lacking required health warnings—to lure young users. KENCO amplified the cancer risks tied to early tobacco use, linking it to the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in Kenya. Recent data reveals that over 650,000 adolescents aged 10–17 have tried tobacco or nicotine products, while nearly 40% are exposed to tobacco promotions through digital and broadcast media. Among university students, 8.6% have used e-cigarettes and 4.6% have tried nicotine pouches. Alarmingly, only 1.2% of youth aged 15–24 attempted to quit in the past year, reflecting the urgent need for prevention and cessation programs.

The coalition—comprising KENCO, Kenya Tobacco Control and Health Promotion Alliance (KETCA), International Institute of Legislative Affairs (IILA), Consumer Information Network (CIN), Den of Hope Youth Group, National Taxpayers Association (NTA), Students Campaign Against Drugs (SCAD), and NCD Alliance Kenya—called on the Government of Kenya to enact immediate policy reforms. These include banning nicotine pouches, regulating e-cigarettes, restricting flavoured products, enforcing digital advertising bans, and mandating plain packaging with graphic health warnings. The coalition also urged annual increases in excise taxes and full implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

The economic stakes are high: Kenya spent an estimated $396 million in 2022 on healthcare costs related to tobacco-related illnesses. KTNTC warned that continued youth targeting will only deepen this burden. Through its united voice, the coalition reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Kenya’s next generation from addiction, disease, and industry exploitation.

 

Learn
More:

●     
WHO World No Tobacco Day 2025 Campaign

●     
TADSAS 2022 – National Adult Tobacco
Survey

●     
DaYTA 2024 – Youth Tobacco Use Report

●     
NACADA University Nicotine Use Study
2024

●     
WHO Tobacco Industry Interference Index

●     
Missing Millions Report – Feb 2025 (Tax Justice Africa)

●      The Economic Costs of Tobacco-Related Illnesses in Kenya

 

●      Tobacco Control Data Initiative – Kenya