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

West Virginia Governor Signs Bill Directing USD 2.9 Million From Juul Settlement to Youth Tobacco Prevention
West Virginia Governor Signs Bill Directing USD 2.9 Million From Juul Settlement to Youth Tobacco Prevention
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network said West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has signed House Bill 5691 into law, directing USD 2.9 million from the Juul settlement to youth tobacco prevention and programs that help people quit. The bill is a supplemental appropriation measure, and the Legislature’s bill history shows it passed the House on March 11, passed the Senate on March 13 and was sent to the governor on March 18.
Mar.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
STG UK refreshes XQS nicotine pouch packaging: new flavour indicators, hitting retail from March
STG UK refreshes XQS nicotine pouch packaging: new flavour indicators, hitting retail from March
Scandinavian Tobacco Group UK (STG UK) has announced a rebrand across its XQS nicotine pouch range. The updated packaging will be visible at retail from March, with the recommended retail price remaining £5.50. The new packs feature a bolder logo and glossy textures, retain nicotine strength indicators, and add a side flavour profile indicator to show the flavour type.
Feb.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA schedules online roundtable to gather small manufacturers’ input on ENDS PMTA requirements
FDA schedules online roundtable to gather small manufacturers’ input on ENDS PMTA requirements
FDA announced it will convene a Feb. 10, 2026 roundtable with small tobacco product manufacturers to gather feedback on PMTA submissions for ENDS products. The discussion will be viewable online, and a public docket is open for comments through March 12, 2026.
Feb.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Bangladesh May Remove E-Cigarette Production and Sales Ban in Tobacco Law Amendment
Bangladesh May Remove E-Cigarette Production and Sales Ban in Tobacco Law Amendment
Bangladesh is preparing amendments to its anti-tobacco ordinance that would remove the ban on the production and sale of e-cigarettes and also delete provisions prohibiting the display of tobacco products at points of sale.
Mar.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Imperial Brands Launches Red, Gold and Silver iD Heated Tobacco Sticks in Europe
Imperial Brands Launches Red, Gold and Silver iD Heated Tobacco Sticks in Europe
Imperial Brands PLC said on February 18, 2026 that it has launched its new Red, Gold and Silver iD heated tobacco sticks in Greece and Poland, with a broader rollout across Europe planned for 2026.
Feb.18
KT&G Q4 and Full-Year 2025 Results: Global CC Strongest, NGP Penetration Expands
KT&G Q4 and Full-Year 2025 Results: Global CC Strongest, NGP Penetration Expands
According to KT&G’s official website (Feb 5, 2026), KT&G released its 2025 fourth-quarter and full-year results. Driven by strong growth in its overseas cigarette business and a rebound in its real estate business, the company posted double-digit increases in both revenue and operating profit, reaching record-high performance.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai