Tobacco tax increase most effective way to reduce consumption

Higher tobacco prices have been identified as the best way to make the product less affordable to consumers hence reduced uptake, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). 

A sensitisation campaign held in Kamukunji Sub-county, Nairobi County, by the Kenya Tobacco and Nicotine Tax Coalition (KTNTC) resolved to push for increased taxation of tobacco products in the upcoming Finance Bill to achieve a tobacco-free society. 

The coalition comprises the Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance (KETCA), Consumer Information Network (CIN), Den of Hope Youth Group, International Institute for Legislative Affairs (IILA), Kenya Network of Cancer Organizations (KENCO), National Tax Payers Association (NTA), Non-Communicable Disease Alliance Kenya (NCDAK) and Students Campaign Against Drugs.

David Odhiambo, the director of Den of Hope Youth Group, acknowledged the WHO report which stated that in every 10 per cent increase in tobacco prices shows an overall cigarette prevalence reduction by about 4 per cent or 5 per cent. 

He said: “Decisive action has to be taken to ensure that the reduction in tobacco consumption according to WHO is realized. We have to push for increased and stringent tax regimes for tobacco production to ensure the product is made very expensive to buy. This will make it very difficult for most people who struggle to make a living to access.”

He added: “looking at the current prices per pack depending with the brand, an increase in the tax will have a ripple effect which will increase the prices for consumers at retail stores something that will make them consider other basic commodities for the family.” He said that the fight against tobacco required a multi-sectoral approach in order to win against it. 

Furthermore, “We need to unite as community leaders, religious organizations, Civil societies and Village elders among others in order to save the future generations from this menace. We need to understand that we are fighting against big corporations who only care about money they get from the tobacco business as opposed to the health implications of the products they sell.” 

Rachael Kittonyo, project coordinator at Africa Tobacco Control Consortium, urged the public to always show up whenever there are public participation events on tax measures.

“You people always shy away whenever the process of law making begins and especially when the public view is sort. We need to always avail ourselves when legislatures come to seek our view with regards to what new tax to introduce and what to drop. That will make it simple for us to introduce the Tax on Tobacco at the initial stages hence making it easier to sail through to parliament. It will also give us an edge against the people who want to oppose the new tax regime which we think will help cubs tobacco use in Kenya,” she said at the meeting on Friday.

According to the ministry of health, tobacco consumption is a significant health issue in Kenya causing approximately 12,000 deaths annually and contributing to various cancers and other Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Cancer ranks as the third leading cause of death in the country following infectious and cardio-vascular diseases. Nearly half of all cancer can be prevented by addressing risk factors such as tobacco uses which is the most preventable cause of cancer.

A 2022 study by the Tobacco Control Data Initiative (TCDI) revealed that 46% of 2000 Kenyan patients treated for major NCD’s including cancer had a history of tobacco abuse. 

Therefore, tobacco taxes have been found to be the single most effective way to reduce Tobacco use, reduce public health and save lives.