On 31st May 2025, Kenya marked World No Tobacco Day with a resolute commitment to protect public health and especially safeguard the youth from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine products. The event, held in Uasin Gishu County, underscored the country’s determination to move toward a healthier, smoke-free future by reinforcing stringent tobacco control measures.
The 2025 World No Tobacco Day was themed “Unmasking the appeal: Exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products,” highlighting the deceptive strategies employed by the tobacco industry to attract new users, particularly among young people. The day served as a powerful call to action, reminding the public that tobacco control is not only a health issue but also a battle against manipulative industry practices.
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale led the celebrations at Uasin Gishu Primary School, where he also oversaw the destruction of 5.5 tonnes of seized illicit tobacco products at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). This dramatic gesture sent a strong message that Kenya is serious about enforcing laws against illicit tobacco trade and protecting its citizens from harmful products.
During the ceremony, the Cabinet Secretary highlighted the government’s recent decisive actions to strengthen tobacco control. These include banning misleading advertising and reinforcing policies to prevent the tobacco industry from interfering in public health regulations, in alignment with Article 5.3 of the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. A key focus was the collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the County Government of Uasin Gishu in launching a youth-centered awareness campaign aimed at educating young people on the dangers of tobacco and emerging nicotine products.
In a significant development, the Health Cabinet Secretary announced the recent signing of a legal notice to be published in the Kenya Gazette. This legal instrument introduces 17 new graphic health warnings on tobacco product packaging, emphasizing the risks associated with emerging nicotine products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco devices. These enhanced warnings are a crucial step in raising awareness among consumers and deterring tobacco use.
The event also provided a platform to promote the Social Health Authority (SHA) registration, with the Cabinet Secretary encouraging the public to enroll and take advantage of its benefits. The SHA initiative forms part of the broader reforms the Ministry of Health is undertaking to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kenya. These reforms align with the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aiming to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability for all citizens.
Several other notable speakers addressed the gathering, including the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni; Tobacco Control Board Chairperson, Dr. Naomi Shaban; and Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor, Hon. Evans Kapkea. They reinforced the importance of continued vigilance and collaborative efforts between national and county governments to curb tobacco use and its harmful consequences.
The focus on exposing tobacco industry tactics reflects growing concern about how these companies use marketing strategies to glamorize tobacco products and attract young consumers. By unmasking these tactics, Kenya is taking proactive steps to protect future generations from the health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine addiction.
The crackdown on illicit tobacco products is especially significant because illegal trade undermines public health policies and deprives the government of revenue that could be used for health services. The destruction of 5.5 tonnes of contraband tobacco sends a clear signal that Kenya will not tolerate violations of its tobacco laws.
Overall, the 2025 World No Tobacco Day in Kenya was a comprehensive effort to strengthen tobacco control through legal reforms, public awareness, and enforcement actions. It demonstrated the government’s unwavering commitment to creating a healthier environment, reducing tobacco consumption, and protecting its youth from the predatory tactics of the tobacco industry. This event marks a crucial milestone in Kenya’s journey toward a smoke-free future and improved public health outcomes.
