Walk through a university campus, a nightclub or even a social gathering in Nairobi today, and chances are you’ll spot someone taking a puff from a colourful disposable vape.
Once viewed as an alternative to traditional cigarettes, vaping has rapidly evolved into a lifestyle trend among many young Kenyans.
With fruity flavours, sleek designs and heavy promotion on social media, vaping has become synonymous with being modern and fashionable.
But as its popularity continues to grow, health experts are raising concerns over what could become the country’s next public health challenge.
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Why are young people choosing vapes?
Unlike conventional cigarettes, vapes are marketed in attractive flavours such as mango, mint, blueberry and watermelon. Their compact designs make them easy to carry and use discreetly, while many young users believe they are a “cleaner” and safer option than smoking.
The perception has been further fuelled by influencers, celebrities and online content that portrays vaping as trendy rather than risky.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), e-cigarettes have increasingly been marketed in ways that appeal to young people, with thousands of flavours and eye-catching designs contributing to their rising popularity.
Is vaping actually safe?
While some adult smokers may switch to regulated e-cigarettes as an alternative to conventional cigarettes, health experts stress that this does not make vaping harmless. The WHO states that there is currently no evidence proving that e-cigarettes are safe, particularly for people who have never smoked.
Vapes work by heating a liquid to produce an aerosol that users inhale. Contrary to popular belief, this is not harmless water vapour. The aerosol can contain nicotine, ultrafine particles, heavy metals and other chemicals that may damage the lungs and cardiovascular system.
The hidden danger: Nicotine addiction
One of the biggest concerns surrounding vaping is nicotine.
Many vape products contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can alter brain development in adolescents and young adults. Experts warn that early nicotine exposure may affect attention, learning and memory while increasing the likelihood of long-term addiction.
Some products labelled as nicotine-free have also been found to contain nicotine, making it difficult for consumers to know exactly what they are inhaling.
What about the long-term effects?
Because vaping is still relatively new compared to traditional smoking, scientists are continuing to study its long-term health effects.
However, existing evidence has already linked vaping to respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease and lung injuries. Researchers also warn that regular exposure to chemicals found in vape aerosols could increase the risk of future health complications.
Health authorities say the safest option remains avoiding both cigarettes and e-cigarettes altogether.
