Governor Nassir proposes tax on imported sugar to fight rising diabetes cases

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir 

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir speaks during the official opening of the Health Integration Summit 2026 in Shanzu, Mombasa on March 16, 2026./HANDOUT

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir has proposed the introduction of a targeted tax on imported sugar as part of a broader strategy to confront the rising burden of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases in Kenya.

Speaking at the Health Integration Summit 2026 in Shanzu, Mombasa, the governor said Kenya must begin linking public health policy with fiscal policy in order to address the growing impact of lifestyle-related illnesses.

The summit brought together national and county health leaders and was attended by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale alongside development partners and public health experts.

Governor Nassir, who also serves as chairperson of the Council of Governors Committee on Health, warned that counties are already witnessing a sharp increase in patients suffering from diabetes, hypertension and other chronic conditions associated with excessive sugar consumption and changing dietary patterns.

He noted that diabetes cases in Kenya continue to rise steadily, placing increasing pressure on county hospitals that are responsible for managing long-term treatment such as dialysis, cardiovascular care, and other complications.

“If we continue on the current trajectory, non-communicable diseases will become one of the biggest financial pressures on our health system,” he said.

To address the problem, the governor proposed a targeted tax on imported sugar, arguing that such a measure would serve both public health and fiscal objectives.

According to Nassir, taxing sugar imports would help moderate consumption while also creating a sustainable revenue stream that could be directed toward the treatment and prevention of non-communicable diseases.

He further proposed that revenue from the tax be ring-fenced and channeled through the Social Health Authority (SHA) as a dedicated funding line to counties.This, he said, would enable counties to strengthen screening, treatment, and management of diabetes and other lifestyle diseases.

“Counties are where the real burden of these diseases is managed,” Nassir said.

“Our hospitals treat the complications and our clinics diagnose and manage patients. It is therefore logical that part of the revenue generated from products contributing to these illnesses should support care at the county level.”

The governor noted that similar fiscal measures have been used in several countries to reduce harmful consumption patterns while at the same time generating resources to finance healthcare systems.