By Diana Wenwa
On 31st May 2024, the Ministry of Health’s State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards will spearhead the commemoration of World No Tobacco Day (WNTD).
This event will see the participation of various government agencies, civil society, and partners in celebrating Kenya’s progress in tobacco control.
The day’s activities will feature the unveiling of new graphic health warnings, updates on the review of the Tobacco Control Act, and the launch of a comprehensive report detailing the morbidity, mortality, and economic implications of tobacco use in Kenya.
These initiatives highlight Kenya’s commitment to reducing tobacco use through stringent regulations and policies.
Kenya has achieved notable milestones in tobacco control, including the formation of a multi-sector task force to investigate novel nicotine and other emerging tobacco products. The task force’s recommendations are currently being implemented, reinforcing Kenya’s proactive stance on tobacco regulation.
Ms. Mary Muthoni Muriuki, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, emphasized Kenya’s continued enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act of 2007.
This Act mandates graphic health warnings on cigarette packages and prohibits smoking in public places. Ms. Muriuki noted a significant decline in tobacco use, from 12% in 2014 to 9% in 2022.
However, she acknowledged the new challenges posed by the rapid spread of Novel Nicotine and Emerging Tobacco Products (NNETPs), such as nicotine pouches, vapes, and electronic cigarettes.
These emerging products are often marketed as less harmful alternatives to traditional cigarettes and are targeted at young people through appealing flavours and misleading health claims.
To address these issues, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with development partners and civil society organizations, aims to leverage WNTD 2024 to raise awareness about the dangers associated with both conventional tobacco products and NNETPs.
The key objectives for WNTD 2024 include highlighting public health risks, exposing industry tactics, and reinforcing policy commitments to safeguard public health. Through these efforts, Kenya continues to set a precedent in the global fight against tobacco use, ensuring better health outcomes for its population.