According to The Star on May 30th, the Kenyan Ministry of Health is considering a major crackdown on certain nicotine products to prevent the escalating crisis of abuse. A special task force appointed by the ministry last year warned that Kenya is flooded with nicotine and emerging tobacco products that do not comply with the Tobacco Control Act, and recommended that these products be removed from the market in large quantities.
Deputy Minister of Health Mary Muthoni stated that they are prepared to implement these recommendations.
The head of the working group, Dr. Andrew Toro, stated that they also evaluated the potential health risks these products may pose to adolescents and vulnerable populations. These products include e-cigarettes, products containing nicotine and non-nicotine e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, rolling papers, HNB tobacco products, heated tobacco, and flavored tobacco products.
In a statement, Musoni said they will first implement the proposal by modifying tobacco control regulations.
The department will also ensure that tobacco cessation services are available in the social health insurance fund, with a focus on issues of affordability and physical accessibility, provided through outpatient services in a community-based model.
The team is urging the government to implement comprehensive nicotine and tobacco cessation programs in hospitals.
The World Health Organization's 2019 epidemic report highlighted that the majority of healthcare facilities in Kenya do not provide smoking cessation services, with such services only available in mental health departments or rehabilitation centers. Currently, nicotine replacement products can be purchased over the counter at private pharmacies.
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