The Ministry of Health has suspended all licenses for nicotine-related products across Kenya. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the suspension during an event in Eldoret, where over five tonnes of illicit tobacco and nicotine products seized since 2021 were publicly destroyed.
The directive affects importers, manufacturers, distributors, and marketers, who must now reapply for licensing within 21 days under stricter guidelines. The suspension is part of a larger effort to reduce nicotine addiction, particularly among vulnerable age groups, amid mounting evidence of increased usage among children and youth.
CS Duale underscored the gravity of the issue, revealing that younger children, some as young as six, are now consuming nicotine-laced products. “These products have become a serious societal menace,” he said, citing rising numbers of young users lured by flavoured and sweetened products.
In a further step to deter consumption, Duale has signed a gazette notice introducing 17 new graphic health warnings on tobacco and nicotine product packaging. The graphic images aim to vividly depict the health consequences of tobacco use and serve as a strong deterrent, especially to first-time users.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni highlighted that the national prevalence of tobacco and nicotine use currently stands at 8.5%. Alarmingly, approximately 650,000 youth aged 15 to 24 many in high school and university are now hooked on flavoured nicotine products. “They mistakenly believe these alternatives are safer, unaware that the health risks are just as severe,” she stated.
Naomi Shaban, chair of the Tobacco Control Board, accused tobacco companies of deliberately targeting young consumers through sweetened and flavoured products. She emphasized the need for urgent action to protect future generations from addiction.
The crackdown coincides with this year’s World No Tobacco Day, themed “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.” Stakeholders used the occasion to advocate for a complete ban or significantly higher taxes on nicotine products, aiming to reduce their accessibility and appeal to the youth.
