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

Ireland Implements 50c per ml Tax on E-Liquids Starting Nov 1
Ireland Implements 50c per ml Tax on E-Liquids Starting Nov 1
From November 1, 2025, Ireland introduces a new E-liquid Products Tax (EPT), adding €0.50 per millilitre to all e-liquid products, including nicotine-free types. Signed into law by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, the measure targets youth vaping and requires suppliers to register with Revenue and pay duty at import, manufacturing, or distribution.
Nov.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Singapore strengthens e-cigarette regulations: 656 people arrested for violations, over 170 advertisements removed
Singapore strengthens e-cigarette regulations: 656 people arrested for violations, over 170 advertisements removed
Singapore's Ministry of Health and Health Sciences Authority reported that from September 1st to 21st, 656 people were arrested for e-cigarette-related offenses, 44 of whom were found in possession of e-cigarettes containing etomidate. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies seized over 25,000 e-cigarette products and removed over 170 illegal online advertisements. The government emphasized that those who refuse to rehabilitate or are repeat offenders will face harsher penalties and encouraged the
Sep.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
US FDA releases MRTP renewal application materials for IQOS heated tobacco product and will hold an expert meeting in October
US FDA releases MRTP renewal application materials for IQOS heated tobacco product and will hold an expert meeting in October
New materials related to Philip Morris Products' MRTP renewal application have been submitted to the FDA for review.
Sep.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
NSW Landlords Could Face Jail or $165,000 Fine for Allowing Illegal Vape and Tobacco Sales
NSW Landlords Could Face Jail or $165,000 Fine for Allowing Illegal Vape and Tobacco Sales
According to The Guardian, landlords in New South Wales who knowingly allow tenants to sell illicit tobacco or illegal vapes could face fines of up to AUD 165,000, a year in prison, or both. The new offences are part of the state government’s broader crackdown on Australia’s growing black market for cigarettes and vaping products.
Nov.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
WHO Chief Warns of E-Cigarette Threat to Youth as COP11 Opens in Geneva
WHO Chief Warns of E-Cigarette Threat to Youth as COP11 Opens in Geneva
More than 1,400 delegates from 162 Parties convened in Geneva on November 17 for the Eleventh Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus opened the session with a stark warning: tobacco and nicotine companies are targeting schools as the “new front line” to recruit a generation of addicts through e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
Nov.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Pakistan Advances E-Cigarette Legislation: Proposed Minor Sales Ban, Limits on Public Use and Ads
Pakistan Advances E-Cigarette Legislation: Proposed Minor Sales Ban, Limits on Public Use and Ads
A Pakistani senator has introduced a bill to ban sales of e-cigarettes and e-shisha to under-18s, prohibit their use in public places, and restrict advertising, promotions, and sponsorships to limit youth exposure to nicotine products.
Oct.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai