The Rising Popularity of E-Cigarettes in Kenya and Concerns

Oct.25.2023
The Rising Popularity of E-Cigarettes in Kenya and Concerns
Kenya's e-cigarette popularity stands at 5.8%, with 53% of users from Generation Z and 44% from millennials, according to local media.

According to reports from local Kenyan media, a recent medical study has revealed that the prevalence rate of e-cigarettes in Kenya is 5.8%. Amongst the users, 53% belong to Generation Z, while 44% belong to the millennial generation. The gender ratio stands at 7:3, with male users comprising 70% and female users constituting 30%.


According to a report in the health publication "Today's Medical News," e-cigarette manufacturers claim that their products can reduce the health risks associated with tobacco. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that e-cigarettes contain varying levels of nicotine and harmful substances. If children and adolescents consume nicotine, it can have detrimental effects on brain development and potentially lead to long-term consequences such as learning and anxiety disorders.


In response, the National Taxpayers Association (NTA) and other civil society organizations in Kenya are advocating for a heavy tax on e-cigarettes, with the aim of increasing tobacco taxes to 70%, in order to deter the proliferation of e-cigarettes.


The association further proposes expanding Kenya's online transaction tracking system to include e-cigarette products, thereby minimizing illegal trade to the maximum extent.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Perak to stop issuing new vape licences, aiming for a phased “zero sales” outcome after October
Perak to stop issuing new vape licences, aiming for a phased “zero sales” outcome after October
Perak executive councillor Datuk Sivanesan said the state government aims to progressively reach a “zero” level of vape sales no later than after October, noting vape operators were clearly informed in October 2025.
Jan.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ireland’s Tobacco and Vape Retail Licensing Regime Takes Effect; BAT Says It Should Cover Nicotine Pouches
Ireland’s Tobacco and Vape Retail Licensing Regime Takes Effect; BAT Says It Should Cover Nicotine Pouches
Ireland’s retail licensing system took effect on Feb. 2, 2026, charging annual fees per point of sale and enforced by the Health Service Executive (HSE). British American Tobacco’s local unit, BAT Ireland, said excluding nicotine pouches could leave a regulatory gap.
Feb.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Wigan Council and Police Seize Illegal Cigarettes and Vapes Worth £145,000
Wigan Council and Police Seize Illegal Cigarettes and Vapes Worth £145,000
Wigan Council said its Trading Standards team, working with Greater Manchester Police, has seized large quantities of illegal cigarettes and vaping products across the borough in 2025. The confiscated goods, valued at around £145,000, were linked to multiple enforcement actions, including the temporary closure of retail premises and criminal prosecutions. The council said the measures aim to reduce risks posed by illicit tobacco and vape products, particularly to children.
Dec.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia considers digital tagging for e-cigarette products to strengthen industry regulation
Russia considers digital tagging for e-cigarette products to strengthen industry regulation
Russia is considering digitizing e-cigarette products for better industry regulation, aiming to protect consumers and prevent counterfeit products.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysian Sabah GOF seizes e-cigarettes, vapes and e-liquids worth over  USD 156,333 in seven-district operation
Malaysian Sabah GOF seizes e-cigarettes, vapes and e-liquids worth over USD 156,333 in seven-district operation
In Sabah, Malaysia’s General Operations Force (GOF) seized thousands of e-cigarette devices, vapes and e-liquids worth more than RM635,000 and detained 23 people during a simultaneous integrated operation across seven districts.
Jan.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia health minister says court conviction over vape promotion sets key precedent for Act 852 enforcement
Malaysia health minister says court conviction over vape promotion sets key precedent for Act 852 enforcement
Malaysia’s Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court decision to convict a known personality for promoting vape has set an important legal precedent for enforcing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act (Act 852).
Jan.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai