KTNTC Urges Parliament to Fast-Track Tobacco Control Bill to Shield Children from Nicotine Addiction

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Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenya Tobacco and Nicotine Tax Coalition (KTNTC) has called on Parliament to urgently pass the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, warning that delays could expose more Kenyan children and youth to nicotine addiction through emerging products such as vapes and nicotine pouches.

Speaking in Nairobi on Friday, the coalition expressed strong support for the proposed legislation, urging the National Assembly to retain its key provisions and expedite the public participation process before forwarding the bill to the Senate for final approval.

KTNTC noted that Kenya’s tobacco and nicotine market has evolved rapidly in recent years, with electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches and other emerging nicotine products entering the market faster than existing laws can regulate them. The coalition warned that these products are often marketed using attractive flavours, colourful packaging and modern designs that appeal to young people while masking the health risks associated with nicotine addiction.

The coalition cited the recent case of a student at Moi High School Kabarak who was found in possession of a vape, describing the incident as a wake-up call for parents, teachers and policymakers. According to KTNTC, the case demonstrated how discreet nicotine products are increasingly finding their way into schools and communities across the country.

KTNTC further raised alarm over data indicating that some Kenyan children are being exposed to tobacco and nicotine products at a very young age. The coalition referenced national surveys showing that the age of initiation for tobacco and nicotine use can be as low as five or six years, describing the trend as a child protection, public health and national development concern.

The proposed Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill seeks to strengthen regulation of emerging nicotine products by bringing them under the Tobacco Control Act, banning flavours that attract young users, increasing health warning requirements, limiting nicotine concentrations, requiring child-resistant packaging and restricting sales near facilities that primarily serve children.

The coalition dismissed arguments that the bill should be delayed due to concerns over illicit trade, saying enforcement challenges should not be used to weaken public health protections. It also questioned claims that emerging nicotine products are effective harm-reduction tools, arguing that evidence increasingly shows they are attracting non-smoking young people into nicotine use.

KTNTC warned that tobacco use continues to have devastating health and economic consequences for Kenya, noting that thousands of deaths are linked to tobacco-related illnesses each year while healthcare costs and lost productivity place a significant burden on the country.

The coalition urged Members of Parliament and the Departmental Committee on Health to reject attempts to weaken the bill and instead ensure its swift passage. It argued that every day of delay provides the tobacco and nicotine industry with more opportunities to recruit new users, particularly among children and youth.

"Parliament must act, and act swiftly," the coalition said, insisting that protecting future generations from addiction should take precedence over industry interests.

The Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is currently under consideration and is expected to play a significant role in shaping Kenya’s response to the growing challenge posed by emerging nicotine products.

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