The Landscape of New-Generation Tobacco and Nicotine Products Consumption in Kenya: Challenges For Public Health, Tax Regulatory Framework, And Way Forward

This paper presents the Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Electronic Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS/ENNDS ) consumption patterns in Kenya. The paper also highlights public health challenges associated with the consumption of these products and policy gaps in controlling consumption. Lastly, the paper proposes a way forward to avert the consumption of ENDS/ENNDS. Data was obtained from the 2022 Statista Consumer Insights Survey (n=2,837). In addition, we conducted semi-structured interviews with key informants working in the tobacco control policy (TCP) space (n=20), users of ENDS/ ENNDS (n=224), community leaders (n=10), academia (n=10), parents of users (n=10), ENDS/ENNDS and tobacco industry representatives (n=20), policymakers from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Law enforcement (n=20) to validate estimated prevalence levels and generate knowledge for policy reforms. The verified estimates show that the prevalence of ENDS/ENNDS was 5.6 (95% CI= 5.4% to 5.9%). 

From the findings, it was noted that ENDS/ ENNDS consumption was the highest among those living in resourced areas versus those living in less-resourced areas. Males consume more ENDS/ENNDS than females. Co-use of illicit cigarettes, Cannabis and ENDS/ENNDS is more common in less-resourced regions than resourced regions. ENDS/ENNDS are traded illicitly in Kenya and there is inconclusive evidence linking ENDS/ENNDS consumption to successful cigarette cessation. Current tax regulatory frameworks are ineffective in averting ENDS/ENNDS consumption. Increased nicotine addictions and hypertension are the most reported side effects associated with ENDS/ENNDS consumption. There is a need to reform Kenya’s Tobacco Control Act to address the criminality and rising ENDS/ENND consumption.