Kenya: Report calls for tax increases 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, and in particular electronic cigarettes, nicotine sachets and hookah. Faced with the health issues raised by these products, the report calls on public authorities to implement a dissuasive tax policy.

The report, published on July 22, 2024, is based on a survey conducted among a representative sample of more than 2,800 Kenyans aged over 18, aimed at assessing the consumption habits of the population for electronic cigarettes, sachets nicotine and hookah[1].

Different consumption levels depending on population categories

The results of the survey show strong disparities in the consumption levels 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 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 electronic cigarettes, nicotine sachets and hookah, ranging from 5.4% to 9.7% depending on the region. In comparison, respondents belonging to the African community recorded a lower prevalence, estimated between 2.1% and 6.1%.

The survey also shows that the consumption of these products is observed more among men, with a prevalence of up to 11.2% in regions with high income levels. In comparison, fewer than 5% of women say they consume at least one of these three products.

Furthermore, the report points to a correlation between levels of education and consumption. Indeed, in favored regions, 11.5% of people with a diploma level above the baccalaureate are consumers of electronic cigarettes, nicotine sachets or hookah, compared to 8.3% for people with a level equivalent to the baccalaureate, and 3.9% of the least educated 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 consumptions depending on the regions of Kenya

The study highlights strong disparities in consumption patterns within the population. Indeed, people from regions with high income levels declaring they consume one of these three products turn more to electronic cigarettes than people from disadvantaged regions. Conversely, the latter mainly turn to hookah (55.1%), much less consumed in the richest regions (31%). Attempts to stop are also more frequent among the most affluent populations, of whom nearly 30% have tried to stop their consumption over the last six months, compared to less than 20% among the most precarious people.

Although this survey provides useful insight into e-cigarette, nicotine pouch, and hookah use, the study has several limitations. In fact, the report does not allow us to know 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 polydrug use, which nevertheless presents an increased risk.

Tax increases, bans: civil society proposals

In this perspective, the head of the department for the fight against drugs and addictive substances indicated that the Kenyan government was currently working on the development of amendments aimed at updating and broadening the scope of application of the regulations relating to the products of tobacco and nicotine. Although the details of the measures have not been provided, several options have been 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 considers that the idea according to which the establishment 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 the youngest[2].

©Tobacco Free Generation

FT

[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)