“Are you aware that your child could be a covert tobacco addict right under your nose, within the confines of your own home?
Thomas Lindi, a representative of the Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance (KETCA), warns that tobacco products are now cleverly disguised in attractive packaging, resembling harmless everyday items, making them easy to overlook for parents and guardians of teenagers and young adults.
“Many parents have been shocked to discover that their children are using novel tobacco products without their knowledge. These products, such as e-cigarettes and vapes, are designed to mimic innocuous objects like flash drives, making them easily dismissed by parents when found in their children’s possession,” Lindi explains.
He reveals that these products are being distributed among youths in schools, with some teenagers already falling prey to their allure and becoming hooked, thanks to the enticing packaging and promotion tactics employed by online influencers.
“The tobacco industry is strategically targeting younger consumers as their older clientele ages and diminishes. Through aggressive advertising and promotion on social media, they’re enticing a new generation of tobacco addicts,” Lindi emphasizes.
Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi hosted by the National Taxpayers’ Association (NTA) on March 20, 2024, Lindi affirmed that the coalition of tobacco control advocates is redoubling its efforts to combat the devastating impact of tobacco-related deaths in Kenya. With approximately 9,000 deaths attributed to tobacco use annually and a rising prevalence of diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, advocates stress the urgent need for robust tobacco control measures.
Lindi underscored the collective commitment to support the revision of Kenya’s Tobacco Control Act of 2007 and its Regulations of 2014.
“We unequivocally support the comprehensive review of Kenya’s Tobacco Control Act of 2007 and Regulation of 2014. Recognizing the evolving landscape of tobacco use and its detrimental impact on public health, we advocate for robust measures to strengthen existing legislation and introduce new provisions in line with international best practices,” he stated.
He urges parents to heighten their vigilance to quickly identify and curb the consumption of novel tobacco products among their children. Emphasizing the critical role of civil societies in Kenya’s tobacco control efforts, Lindi stressed the necessity of “rigorous regulation to deter the early initiation of tobacco use among children and young adults”.
“Parents must remain vigilant against the insidious products designed to promote and conceal tobacco use within homes and schools. This proactive stance will significantly curb the prevalence of tobacco addiction among young and impressionable users,” Lindi asserted. “Our endorsement of tougher control measures aims to reinforce the nation’s commitment to reducing the accessibility of tobacco and nicotine products, combating the influence of the tobacco industry, and fostering transparent and inclusive policymaking processes,” he added.
Tobacco Vigilance
Phoebe Ogada from KENCO echoed these sentiments, citing evidence from the World Health Organization (WHO) that taxing tobacco products is the most effective strategy for reducing consumption and preventing tobacco-related diseases. She further explained that advocates are united in their push for stronger tobacco control measures to prevent widespread ill health caused by increased usage among young populations.
“Every puff from a cigarette contains at least 70 carcinogenic chemicals. Tobacco consumption has been linked to numerous health complications, including abortion, throat, and mouth cancers,” she told Afya Watch. “We cannot afford more deaths from tobacco use; decisive action is needed to save Kenyan lives,” she emphasized.
Irene Otieno, CEO of NTA, stressed the importance of aligning Kenya’s tobacco taxation policies with international best practices, particularly in light of the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
“By raising tobacco prices through taxation, Kenya can discourage consumption, especially among youth, and safeguard public health. We cannot continue taxing Kenyans for health insurance while allowing manufacturers of products that harm and kill Kenyans to operate freely in the country,” she insisted.
According to John Thome of NTA, the momentum for the review of Kenya’s Tobacco Control Act and Regulations has been steadily gaining traction since 2013, with calls for action from the Ministries of Health and Interior and National Administration.
“Our renewed push for the review of the Tobacco Control Act of 2013 provides an opportunity to align tobacco control policies with public health objectives,” he stated.
Ann Swakei from the Non-Communicable Disease Alliance of Kenya (NCDAK) highlighted the increase in non-communicable disease (NCD) cases in the country, attributing part of the rise to tobacco use.
“As NCDAK, we are concerned about the surge in NCD cases and urge the government to reverse the trend through tobacco use regulation and control. Tobacco consumption is a significant risk factor for NCDs,” she emphasized.
Hellen Nafula from Den of Hope outlined the coalition campaign’s key demands, including a comprehensive review of existing legislation, banning new-age tobacco products like nicotine pouches, prioritizing inclusivity and transparency in policymaking, countering tobacco industry influence, ensuring transparency in the operation of the Solatium Fund, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
She stressed the importance of safeguarding national tobacco control efforts from commercial interests, as outlined in Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). She reiterated the need for Kenya, as a signatory to the treaty, to implement comprehensive and effective measures to counteract the undue influence of the tobacco industry.
“As advocates embark on this pivotal journey towards strengthening tobacco control measures in Kenya, they call upon all stakeholders to join hands in this noble endeavour. Together, they envision a future where tobacco-related diseases are eradicated, and the health and well-being of all Kenyans are prioritized,” Nafula concluded.”
