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

BAT Uzbekistan and Regulators Discuss Production Modernization and Export Expansion
BAT Uzbekistan and Regulators Discuss Production Modernization and Export Expansion
A meeting was held at the Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the General Prosecutor’s Office of Uzbekistan with representatives of British American Tobacco Uzbekistan. Participants included the department’s leadership, the Inspectorate for Regulation of the Alcohol and Tobacco Market, and business representatives.
May.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
 Zyn Emerges as MAGA Cultural Symbol Amid FDA Policy Shift
Zyn Emerges as MAGA Cultural Symbol Amid FDA Policy Shift
According to The Wall Street Journal, nicotine pouch brand Zyn has rapidly gained popularity across the Trump administration and conservative political circles, including among U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Business
May.20
Argentina Issues Resolution 549/2026 to Regulate Vapes, Heated Tobacco and Nicotine Pouches
Argentina Issues Resolution 549/2026 to Regulate Vapes, Heated Tobacco and Nicotine Pouches
Argentina’s government has created a comprehensive regulatory framework for nicotine products, including vapes, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches, through Resolution 549/2026 published in the Official Gazette. The new regulation ends the previous prohibitive framework and establishes rules to organize the market by requiring traceability, quality standards and mandatory registration for all manufacturers and retailers operating in the country.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Opens Public Comment Period on Draft Guidance for Flavored E-Cigarette Applications
FDA Opens Public Comment Period on Draft Guidance for Flavored E-Cigarette Applications
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products announced an open public comment period for a draft guidance titled Flavored Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) Premarket Applications – Considerations Related to Youth Risk.
Apr.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Poland to Discuss Revised E-Cigarette Definitions With Focus on Induction Technology
Poland to Discuss Revised E-Cigarette Definitions With Focus on Induction Technology
According to the agenda published by Poland’s Council of Ministers on Monday, the government is set to consider a draft amendment to the Excise Tax Act on Tuesday.
Apr.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | Labeled “Built in the USA” Up to 60,000 Puffs: DOJO PUREX 60K Launches on U.S. Sales Channels
Product | Labeled “Built in the USA” Up to 60,000 Puffs: DOJO PUREX 60K Launches on U.S. Sales Channels
DOJO unveiled the PUREX 60K e-cigarette at TPE 2026 held in Las Vegas, United States. The product is labeled “Built in the USA,” supports up to 60,000 puffs, and features 16ml e-liquid capacity, a 1000mAh battery, and ECO and SMART output modes. It has gone live on DOJO’s official website and select U.S. online sales channels at a price of $18.99.
Apr.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai