By Gidion Ngeno
The County Government of Uasin Gishu, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, is set to commemorate World No Tobacco Day today at the Uasin Gishu Primary School Grounds, under the global theme: “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.”
The event will be hosted by Uasin Gishu Governor H.E. Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim, with key national leaders expected in attendance, including Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale and Mary Muriuki, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards.
This year’s commemoration is especially significant for Uasin Gishu County, which, according to 2025 research statistics, shows that approximately 7.3% of youth aged 15–24 are active users of tobacco or nicotine products. The alarming trend has pushed the county leadership to intensify efforts aimed at protecting young people from the harmful influence of tobacco marketing and usage.
“This event is not just about awareness,” said a county health official. “It’s about empowering our youth with accurate information, life skills, and support systems to help them make informed health choices.”
A series of activities have been lined up for the day, including educational sessions, free health checkups, testimonials from former tobacco users, and skits performed by youth groups to highlight the dangers of tobacco consumption. Health experts will also discuss long-term health effects and industry manipulation tactics that target the younger population.
In a bid to provide long-term solutions, the county will also launch the Youth Anti-Tobacco Champions Network—a youth-led initiative aimed at mobilizing and educating peers to combat the use of tobacco and nicotine products across schools and communities.
Furthermore, various health sector partners will offer career mentorship, information on health-related scholarships, internship opportunities, and skills development programs, demonstrating the county’s holistic approach in addressing youth vulnerability.
Governor Jonathan Bii emphasized that this initiative is not only for Uasin Gishu residents but is expected to draw participation from young people across the country. “This is about building a tobacco-free generation for Kenya,” he said.
Health CS Aden Duale is expected to deliver a keynote address reinforcing the national government's stand against tobacco use, especially among the youth, and share ongoing policy reforms, including updates to the Tobacco Control Act of 2007 to reflect emerging challenges and align with Kenya’s Constitution.
As the nation marks World No Tobacco Day, Uasin Gishu’s event stands as a model of youth-focused public health advocacy, championing a safer and healthier future for all.
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