Kenya Marks World No Tobacco Day with Renewed Vow to Tackle Tobacco Use

 

By Levin Kiprop 

Kenya today joined the rest of the world in marking World No Tobacco Day, with this year’s theme being “Unmasking the Appeal” — a call to expose and challenge the deceptive marketing of tobacco and nicotine products, especially among the youth.

The national event was led by Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Bare Duale in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, where he reiterated the government's commitment to safeguarding Kenyans from the harmful effects of tobacco use.

“Over the past years, the Ministry of Health has made significant strides in tobacco control through strong policies, regulations, and public education,” CS Duale said. “We will protect every Kenyan from the dangers of tobacco to secure a healthy and safe future.”

The CS highlighted several key initiatives, including the development of stringent laws and increased public awareness campaigns across the country. He announced ongoing efforts to revise the Tobacco Control Act of 2007, aiming to align it with the 2010 Constitution and address emerging tobacco and nicotine-related issues.

During the event, CS Duale presided over the destruction of 5.5 tonnes of illicit tobacco products, including shisha and flavored nicotine products, which were recently seized by authorities. He described the move as a critical step in protecting public health and curbing the growing influence of illegal tobacco trade.

“Last year, the Court of Appeal upheld the shisha ban — a major victory for public health in this country,” Duale noted. “Today’s destruction of contraband tobacco products is a message to all that Kenya will not tolerate the illegal sale and distribution of tobacco.”

In a firm statement to law enforcement agencies, the Health CS urged county security teams to enhance the enforcement of tobacco control laws, warning that negligence would only endanger the lives of young Kenyans.

“I have signed a legal notice for publication in the Kenya Gazette introducing 17 new graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging, especially targeting nicotine products,” he announced, adding that visual deterrents are a proven method of reducing tobacco consumption.

Kenya continues to battle the growing burden of tobacco use. According to the Ministry of Health, as of 2022, approximately 8.5% of Kenyans aged 14–65 were using some form of tobacco — with men making up the majority. Kenya currently ranks seventh in Africa for the number of tobacco users.

Tobacco use remains a major public health concern in Kenya, contributing to non-communicable diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. The Ministry of Health is determined to reduce the burden through policy enforcement, public education, and international cooperation.

As the global community observes World No Tobacco Day, Kenya’s message is clear: no product, no marketing strategy, and no appeal will be allowed to compromise the health of its people — especially the youth.