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Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has expressed concern over the growing use of tobacco products—particularly vaping—among children and women in Kenya.
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Speaking on NTV’s Fixing the Nation, Muthoni revealed that more than 100,000 children aged between 10 and 17 are already using vape products. She also noted that smoking rates among women are now outpacing those of men, largely due to the attraction of flavoured tobacco products.
“The rise in use is alarming. These products are made to look appealing—especially to young people and women—through their packaging and flavours,” Muthoni said.
She attributed the trend to weak enforcement of existing tobacco regulations and highlighted the government’s recent move to suspend licenses and import approvals for the production, distribution, and sale of nicotine-based products as part of a broader crackdown.
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Muthoni emphasized that the Ministry of Health is committed to ensuring adherence to the Tobacco Control Act. As part of this, 17 new graphic health warnings have been introduced and will be mandatory on all nicotine-containing items, including e-cigarettes, pouches, and regular cigarettes.
Defence CS Aden Duale, speaking during the incineration of over 5.5 tonnes of illicit tobacco products at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret to mark World No Tobacco Day, said, “These products are not just cheap and unregulated—they are harmful and are poisoning our youth.”
