As the United Kingdom enforces a nationwide ban on the sale of disposable vapes effective June 1, concerns over the global youth vaping epidemic are intensifying, yet in Kenya, the trend is only gaining traction among the urban youth.
The UK’s new legislation targets single-use e-cigarettes, with businesses now facing fines of £200 (Ksh. 25,800) or even prosecution for non-compliance. The move follows growing health and environmental concerns, with the UK government aiming to foster a smoke-free generation while curbing the massive waste crisis linked to disposable vapes. Analysis by Material Focus found that over 8.2 million vapes were discarded weekly in the UK, roughly 13 every second.
Though intended as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes have come under fire for their health risks, especially among youth. Vapes, often flavored with sweet or fruity options like bubble gum or cotton candy, contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and acrolein. Studies, including one from the University of North Carolina, have shown that their ingredients are toxic to cells and linked to lung and cardiovascular disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently called for a global ban on flavored tobacco and nicotine products, warning that such flavours are a major gateway for youth addiction.
Despite the growing international backlash, vaping continues to thrive in Kenya, particularly in nightlife scenes where young people view the habit as trendy, sophisticated, and even glamorous. Among club-goers, especially women, colourful vape pens have become style statements. “It’s not just a habit; it’s an accessory,” noted one university student during a recent nightlife event in Nairobi.
Yet, data on vaping prevalence in Kenya remains scarce. Advocacy groups like the Kenya Tobacco Control and Health Promotion Alliance (KETCA) have voiced alarm, urging the government to ban all nicotine alternatives including vapes, shisha, and nicotine pouches until robust regulations are in place. “This crisis underscores the urgent need to protect Kenyan children and youth from the aggressive tactics of the tobacco industry,” said KETCA chair Joel Gitali.
Tobacco harm reduction experts, however, have criticized the lack of investment in safer nicotine alternatives in Africa. According to Joseph Magero, Chair of the Campaign for Safer Alternatives, global tobacco firms have largely neglected African markets in the transition to reduced-risk products. “Africa is still being treated like a cigarette market first and foremost,” he said, noting that less than 5% of investment in harm-reduction infrastructure reaches the continent.
As global efforts to curb youth vaping ramp up, Kenya remains at a crossroads, caught between the rising popularity of vapes and a glaring absence of regulatory frameworks. The question now is whether policymakers will follow in the UK’s footsteps or continue to let the trend burn on unchecked.
Written By Rodney Mbua
