Why Kenya must urgently strengthen tobacco and nicotine product taxation

Beyond health impacts, emerging nicotine products are also creating new environmental challenges. Used vape devices are electronic gadgets that contain plastics, lithium batteries, and chemical residues.

If current trends continue, the situation is likely to worsen. Evidence presented recently to the National Treasury by the Kenya Tobacco Control and Nicotine Tax Coalition shows that without stronger fiscal measures, the country could experience even higher levels of consumption and preventable deaths. Projections from the TETSiM model clearly indicate that inaction today will translate into greater health and economic losses tomorrow.

One of the most alarming developments is the rapid rise in youth exposure to emerging nicotine products such as vapes and oral nicotine pouches. These products are often marketed in attractive flavours and modern designs that appeal directly to younger users.

While making submissions before the Treasury, Thomas Lindi warned that “the flavours, sleek design, engineering, affordability, and ease of access are meant to hook youth, both boys and girls. They can use these products without their parents knowing. This tech-savvy generation can simply order nicotine products online and have them delivered without proper age verification.”

We are already seeing real-life implications of this growing problem. For example, a recent case involving a student at Moi High School Kabarak who was allegedly found in possession of a vape device highlighted how these products are reaching school environments. Such cases demonstrate gaps in prevention and enforcement and emphasise the need for stronger policy interventions. The case highlights how affordability and accessibility are contributing to early experimentation and addiction.

Beyond health impacts, emerging nicotine products are also creating new environmental challenges. Used vape devices are electronic gadgets that contain plastics, lithium batteries, and chemical residues.

Improper disposal of these products is increasingly visible in public spaces. Children and informal waste handlers may unknowingly pick up discarded devices, exposing themselves to potential harm. Without clear disposal systems and stronger regulation, Kenya risks adding electronic nicotine waste to its growing environmental burden.

Globally, increasing tobacco taxes is the most effective way to reduce consumption, particularly among young people and low-income populations who are more sensitive to price changes.

Stronger taxation would not only reduce affordability but also generate additional government revenue. This creates what public health experts describe as a “double dividend”: improved health outcomes alongside increased fiscal space to invest in healthcare, education, and social protection programmes.

To achieve these benefits, Kenya must consider a comprehensive approach that includes substantial excise tax increases, a progressive multi-year tax escalation framework, and harmonised taxation across all nicotine products to prevent substitution and dual use.

Opponents of higher tobacco taxes often argue that such measures will fuel illicit trade. However, evidence consistently shows that illicit trade is primarily driven by weak enforcement systems, porous borders, and governance gaps rather than taxation levels alone.

Strengthening track-and-trace systems, licensing requirements, and penalties for violations can ensure that tax policy reforms are implemented effectively without undermining revenue or public health objectives.

Kenya has an opportunity to act boldly to protect its population, especially its young people, from the long-term harms of tobacco and nicotine addiction.

Strengthening tobacco and nicotine product taxation is not merely a fiscal decision; it is a public health investment, an environmental safeguard, and a commitment to the well-being of future generations. Delaying action will only increase the human and economic costs. The time for decisive policy leadership is now.

 Thomas Lindi is the national coordinator of the Kenya