A major tobacco firm in Kenya is downsizing. While the tobacco industry frames this move as a business decision, tobacco control advocates see it as a victory in reducing the tobacco industry’s detrimental impact.
Recent data indicates a decline in smoking prevalence in Kenya.
BY THOMAS LINDI A recently
announced restructuring plan by one of the major cigarettee manufacturer in the
region that will see job cuts at its Nairobi facility is a testement and underscores
the tangible impact of civil society organizations’ (CSOs) relentless efforts
in tobacco control.
In an
internal memo dated December 28, 2024, The giant cigarettee manufacturer attributed its
decision to declining cigarette sales volumes, heightened regulatory pressures,
and the rise of illicit trade.
However,
these challenges also highlight the effectiveness of Kenya’s robust tobacco
control measures, driven by CSOs’ unwavering advocacy. Recent data indicates a
decline in smoking prevalence in Kenya. In 2022, 8.5% of Kenyans aged 15 to 65
used any tobacco products, down from 11.6% in 2014.
As a
leader in the fight against tobacco related harm in Africa Kenya’s commitment
to tobacco control is paying off (CSOs), led by the Kenya Tobacco Control
Alliance (KETCA) an umbrella body for CSOs that champions initiatives aimed at
mitigating the health and economic impacts of tobacco use, these organizations
have played a pivotal role in pushing for the enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act of 2007.
Their
efforts have resulted in significant policy changes, heightened public
awareness, and strengthened enforcement of anti-tobacco laws, contributing to a
nationwide decline in cigarette consumption.
Working
closely with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, these organizations
have consistently championed policies aligned with the WHO Framework Convention
on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Notable achievements include the introduction of
mandatory pictorial health warnings on tobacco products in 2016, following the
implementation of the Tobacco Control Regulations, 2014. These regulations were
upheld by Kenya’s High Court, even after a prolonged legal battle with the
tobacco industry that extended to the Supreme Court, the main
bone of contention was the Solatium Compensatory Contribution which is 2% of
the value of tobacco products manufactured or imported into the country.
The tobacco
control law also banned tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship among
other measures, while significantly increasing taxation on tobacco products.
These measures have proven highly effective in reducing smoking prevalence,
showcasing Kenya’s commitment to safeguarding public health.
Beyond
conventional tobacco products, CSOs have turned their attention to emerging tobacco
products such as oral nicotine pouches and electronic cigarettes. In 2024, the
Ministry of Health, through the Tobacco Control Board, conducted a public
participation exercise to develop updated graphic health warnings for tobacco
products, including emerging nicotine products. The tobacco industry opposed
these measures, citing outdated laws and even threatening sell local nicotine
pouch production machinery due to regulatory disagreements. Products
like Lyft, initially marketed to young people, were banned in 2020 following
sustained pressure from CSOs. BAT rebranded and reintroduced the product as
Velo, but CSOs again highlighted its risks and manipulative marketing practices
of the tobacco industry, ultimately leading to its withdrawal of Velo from the
Kenyan market.KETCA has
continued to advocate for the review and amendment of tobacco control laws. The
Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by Senator Catherine Mumma,
seeks to update the 2007 Act and regulate emerging products. In a letter to
Senators, the alliance has urged the Senate to ensure
that the tobacco control law is reviewed in the manner that will reflect the
new constitution to ensure that tobacco
control law strengthen, lock out tobacco industry influence, and ensure robust forward
looking regulations to protect public heath. The downsizing
of the tobacco manufacturing giant is a testament to the growing influence of
CSOs in the fight against tobacco. While the tobacco industry frames this move
as a business decision, tobacco control advocates see it as a victory in
reducing the tobacco industry’s detrimental impact. KETCA
Chairman Joel Gitali stated,
“The tobacco industry brings nothing but disease, disability, and death to our
people, this downsizing reinforces why this harmful industry must be phased out
entirely.” Between 2012 and 2021, approximately 31.4% of deaths from malignant
cancers in Kenya were attributed to tobacco smoking. Notably, esophageal cancer
accounted for 56% of these tobacco-related cancer deaths, while trachea, lung,
and bronchus cancers combined accounted for 14%. Additionally,
tobacco smoking was responsible for 16.5% of all deaths from respiratory
diseases, diabetes mellitus, malignant cancers, tuberculosis, and
cardiovascular diseases among individuals aged 35 and above. As Kenya
enters 2025, the fight is far from over. The collaboration between CSOs,
government agencies, and communities remains essential to building a healthier,
tobacco-free future. The author is the national coordinator of KETCA.
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Recent data indicates a decline in smoking prevalence in Kenya.
