Kenya has seen a remarkable advancement in tobacco control, with tobacco consumption declining from 12% in 2014 to 9% in 2022.
This reduction is attributed to the introduction of strict rules and policies targeted at lowering tobacco use.
The State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards’ Principal Secretary, Ms. Mary Muthoni Muriuki, states that Kenya is still enforcing the Tobacco Control Act of 2007, which forbids smoking in public areas and requires graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging.
The State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards of the Ministry of Health will coordinate with other governmental organisations, members of the public, and partners to observe World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) on May 31, 2024.
In addition to launching a study on the morbidity, mortality, and economic effects of tobacco use in Kenya, events will also include a celebration of Kenya’s achievements in the fight against tobacco use, the display of new, graphic health warnings, and updates on the review of the Tobacco Control Act.
A multi-sector task group was established to study innovative nicotine and other emerging tobacco products; its suggestions are presently being implemented, which is one of the major accomplishments.
While tobacco usage has decreased, Ms. Muthoni pointed out in a May 27 press release that Kenya is currently confronted with new issues due to the explosive growth of Novel Nicotine and Emerging Tobacco Products (NNETPs), which include electronic cigarettes, vape pens, and nicotine pouches.
These products target young people with their enticing tastes and deceptive health claims, and they are frequently sold as less dangerous alternatives to regular cigarettes.
By working with development partners and civil society organisations, the Ministry of Health hopes to raise awareness of the risks connected with both traditional tobacco products and non-native electronic tobacco products (NNETPs) by utilising WNTD 2024.
Emphasising threats to public health, revealing industrial strategies, and reaffirming policy commitment are some of the main goals in 2024 WNTD.
