TLDR;
The Principal Secretary for Public Health, Mary Muthoni, discusses Kenya's progress in reducing tobacco use through sustained efforts like high taxes, strict regulations, and public awareness campaigns. While significant strides have been made, challenges remain, particularly with the rise of flavored nicotine pouches among young people. The Ministry of Health has implemented various strategies, including a multi-agency response, review of the Tobacco Control Act, enforcement operations, and awareness campaigns. They are also supporting farmers in transitioning from tobacco to sustainable agriculture and establishing outpatient secession centers. A special side event at the devolution conference is announced, focusing on strengthening devolved responses to drug and substance abuse, urging collaboration between national and county governments.
- Tobacco use has declined significantly between 2014 and 2022.
- Over 650,000 adolescents have experimented with tobacco or nicotine products.
- A national awareness campaign is being rolled out across all 47 counties.
- A special side event at the devolution conference will address drug and substance abuse.
Decline in Tobacco Use and Remaining Challenges [0:02]
Kenya has seen a notable reduction in tobacco use due to a multifaceted approach. The 2022 survey indicates that tobacco use among those aged 15 to 65 is at 8.5%, a significant drop from 11.6% in 2014. This decline is attributed to high tobacco taxes, stricter regulations, and robust public awareness campaigns, which have collectively reduced affordability and appeal, especially among the youth. However, the 2024 survey reveals that over 650,000 adolescents between 10 and 17 have experimented with tobacco or nicotine products, and the use of flavored nicotine pouches is increasing among university students, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.
Government Initiatives and Milestones [1:37]
In the past year, Kenya has achieved significant milestones in combating tobacco and substance use. The Ministry of Health has spearheaded a multi-agency national response for emerging nicotine and tobacco products, supported by a costed implementation strategy, enhanced regulations, and targeted risk communication. A comprehensive review of the Tobacco Control Act 2007 has been completed, with proposed amendments awaiting stakeholder validation. The court upheld the national shisha ban in December 2024, reinforcing public health protection. Joint enforcement operations have led to the seizure of illicit nicotine products, with plans for expanded compliance operations in major towns and cities.
National Awareness Campaign and Support for Farmers [2:52]
The Ministry of Health has launched a nationwide awareness campaign across all 47 counties from November 2024 to 2025, organized into 10 regional clusters with support from partners, line agencies, and civil society. Additionally, the tobaccofree farms initiative has been expanded in Meu, Migori, Bunga, and Busia counties to assist farmers in transitioning from tobacco growing to sustainable agriculture. Integrated outpatient secession centers are being designed, with readiness assessments in several locations to establish a national secession program offering counseling and recovery support.
Strategic Partnerships and Devolution Conference [3:58]
The Ministry of Health has strengthened strategic research partnerships with institutions like the Kenya Medical Research Institute to bolster evidence-based policymaking. They have also collaborated with the national treasury to increase taxes on tobacco and nicotine products, aiming to reduce consumption and generate revenue for health programs. A special side event at the devolution conference, themed "Strengthening Devolved Responses to Drugs and Substance Abuse: A Call to Action for All the Counties," will take place on August 14th. This event will gather county leaders, public health experts, civil society, and community champions to explore practical, locally driven solutions to drug and substance use, fostering dialogue and stronger partnerships between national and county governments.