In recent years, Kenya has made notable strides in its battle against the harmful effects of tobacco use. The country’s rigorous tobacco control efforts, spearheaded by civil society organizations (CSOs) and supported by government agencies, have begun to show positive results, both in public health improvements and in curbing the power of the tobacco industry.
One of the latest developments in the country’s tobacco control efforts is the restructuring of a major tobacco manufacturer in Nairobi, which includes significant job cuts. While the tobacco company has framed this as a business decision, it signals a significant shift in the market dynamics that is often attributed to the growing effectiveness of Kenya’s tobacco control laws. The move also underlines the tangible impact of civil society’s advocacy for stricter regulations.
Data from recent years reveals a decline in smoking prevalence in Kenya. In 2014, 11.6% of Kenyans aged 15 to 65 used tobacco products. However, by 2022, that number had decreased to 8.5%. This decline is a testament to the effectiveness of public health campaigns, enhanced by organizations like the Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance (KETCA), which have tirelessly worked to reduce tobacco consumption and raise awareness about its harmful effects.
KETCA, which is an umbrella body for CSOs advocating for tobacco control, has been at the forefront of pushing for the enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act of 2007. This legislation was designed to curb tobacco use through a variety of measures, including higher taxes on tobacco products, public health warnings, and a ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship. It is through the efforts of KETCA and its partners that Kenya has been able to introduce such measures, which have ultimately contributed to a decrease in smoking prevalence across the country.
A major victory came in 2016 when the government introduced mandatory pictorial health warnings on tobacco products. This move, although contested by the tobacco industry, was upheld by Kenya’s High Court after a lengthy legal battle that included challenges all the way to the Supreme Court. This regulatory victory has been a key driver in raising awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use and has further isolated the tobacco industry’s ability to influence public policy.
Beyond traditional tobacco products, the fight against new and emerging products, such as oral nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes, has also taken center stage. In 2024, the Ministry of Health conducted public consultations to update graphic health warnings to include these new products, which have become increasingly popular among young people. In response, the tobacco industry has attempted to resist such changes, even threatening to withdraw from the Kenyan market, but CSOs have continued to stand firm.
The latest move to amend the Tobacco Control Act to include regulations for emerging nicotine products, as introduced by Senator Catherine Mumma in 2024, marks the next step in Kenya’s tobacco control journey. This amendment seeks to ensure that tobacco control regulations stay ahead of industry trends, thus safeguarding public health from the next wave of nicotine-based products that could harm future generations.
The downsizing of a leading tobacco company, while unfortunate for the workers involved, is seen by tobacco control advocates as a victory in the broader fight against tobacco-related harm. The move underscores the growing influence of CSOs and their ability to push for stronger regulations that ultimately protect public health. As KETCA Chairman Joel Gitali aptly put it, “The tobacco industry brings nothing but disease, disability, and death to our people.”
Despite these successes, the fight is far from over. With tobacco-related diseases such as lung cancer, respiratory diseases, and heart conditions continuing to claim thousands of lives each year in Kenya, collaboration among CSOs, government, and the public will remain crucial in advancing these vital public health initiatives. Looking ahead, Kenya’s tobacco control efforts are set to be a model for other nations on the African continent, proving that sustained, multi-faceted advocacy can bring about meaningful change.
