Kenya: Report calls for tax hikes to fight nicotine epidemic

In Kenya, a study published by the National Taxpayers Association warns of high levels of consumption of tobacco and nicotine products, particularly e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and hookah. Given the health issues raised by these products, the report urges the government to implement a dissuasive tax policy.

The report, released on July 22, 2024, is based on a survey conducted among a representative sample of over 2,800 Kenyans aged 18 and over, aimed at assessing the population's consumption habits for e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and hookah.[1].

Different consumption levels depending on population categories

The survey results show strong disparities in the levels of consumption of these products, depending on the level of education, gender, age, ethnicity or economic status of individuals. Thus, if the national prevalence for these products is established at 5.9%, that of the disadvantaged Kenyan regions is estimated at 3.4%, while it reaches 7.9% among populations living in regions with high income levels.

Respondents reporting belonging to the Asian community show higher consumption of e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and hookah, ranging from 5.4% to 9.7% depending on the region. In comparison, respondents belonging to the African community record a lower prevalence, estimated between 2.1% and 6.1%.

The survey also shows that consumption of these products is more observed among men, with a prevalence of up to 11.2% in high-income regions. In comparison, less than 5% of women report consuming at least one of these three products.

Furthermore, the report highlights a correlation between education and consumption levels. Indeed, in the advantaged regions, 11.5% of people with a level of qualification higher than the baccalaureate are consumers of electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches or hookah, compared to 8.3% for people with a level equivalent to the baccalaureate, and 3.9% of the least qualified people.

Finally, the figures highlight higher consumption among the population aged 26 to 35. Within this age group, the prevalence for these three products is estimated at 10.5% in the richest regions, and at 5.3% in the least advantaged regions. Conversely, 18-25 year-olds record the lowest levels of consumption, ranging from 2.2% to 5.9%.

Different consumption in different regions of Kenya

The study highlights significant disparities in consumption patterns within the population. In fact, people from high-income regions reporting consumption of one of these three products are more likely to use e-cigarettes than people from disadvantaged regions. The latter, on the other hand, are more likely to use hookah (55.1%), which is much less commonly consumed in the wealthiest regions (31%). Attempts to quit are also more common among the wealthiest populations, with nearly 30% having tried to stop their consumption in the last six months, compared to less than 20% among the most disadvantaged people.

Although this survey provides a useful overview of the consumption of e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and hookahs, the study has several limitations. Indeed, the report does not provide information on the evolution of the consumption of these products. Furthermore, beyond the differences in the nature of these three products, the report provides very little data on tobacco consumption, as well as on polyconsumption, which nevertheless presents an increased risk.

Tax increases, bans: civil society proposals

In this regard, the head of the Department of Drug Control and Addictive Substances indicated that the Kenyan government was currently working on drafting amendments to update and broaden the scope of the regulations on tobacco and nicotine products. While the details of the measures were not provided, several options were raised by civil society. Thus, in its report, the National Taxpayers Association insists on the need to implement a dissuasive tax policy on all of these products, while strengthening the fight against illicit trade. However, in its report, the association believes that the idea that the implementation of a tax trajectory would encourage illicit trade corresponds to an argument disseminated by the tobacco industry, refuted by the scientific literature. For its part, the Kenyan Alliance for Tobacco Control and Health Promotion urged the ministry to consider banning the marketing of these products, particularly with the aim of protecting young people.[2].

©Generation Without Tobacco

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[1] National Taxpayers Association, The landscape of new-generation tobacco and nicotine products consumption in Kenya, 07/22/2024, (accessed 07/25/2024)

[2] The Star, MoH's new tack to stop nicotine peddlers reaching Gen Z, 07/24/2024, (accessed 07/25/2024)