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

Mexico City hands over 50,376 vapes and e-cigarettes for destruction, valued at USD 570,000
Mexico City hands over 50,376 vapes and e-cigarettes for destruction, valued at USD 570,000
Mexico City Head of Government Clara Brugada handed over 50,376 vapes and e-cigarettes in the Zócalo for final destruction. The report puts the value at 10 million pesos (about USD 570,000) and says the goods were seized from a stall and a warehouse in the Historic Center, with one person detained because selling these products is illegal.
Jan.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Court Sentences Shrewsbury Retailer for Illegal Vape and Counterfeit Tobacco Sales
UK Court Sentences Shrewsbury Retailer for Illegal Vape and Counterfeit Tobacco Sales
A UK local authority has secured convictions against a Shrewsbury retailer and its former director for selling illegal disposable vapes, counterfeit tobacco and a nicotine vape to a minor, highlighting continued enforcement against non-compliant nicotine products.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Arizona e-cigarette shops ordered to pay $460,000 for selling tobacco and nicotine products to minors
Arizona e-cigarette shops ordered to pay $460,000 for selling tobacco and nicotine products to minors
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced Pro Source Supply LLC, Pro Source Vapes LLC, Pro Source CBD LLC, and owner Timothy Kell must pay $460,000 in restitution tied to a lawsuit filed last year alleging illegal sales of tobacco and nicotine products to underage buyers.
Jan.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Virginia appeals to the Fourth Circuit over partial block on flavored vape ban enforcement
Virginia appeals to the Fourth Circuit over partial block on flavored vape ban enforcement
Virginia has asked the Fourth Circuit to overturn a district court order that partially blocked enforcement of the commonwealth’s flavored vape ban. In a notice, the state told U.S. District Judge David J. Novak it seeks to upend his December ruling that Virginia’s Chapter 23.2 statute is preempted by the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.
Jan.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Canadians visiting Mexico warned of stricter penalties for bringing e-cigarettes or vaping devices
Canadians visiting Mexico warned of stricter penalties for bringing e-cigarettes or vaping devices
Canadians traveling to Mexico should avoid packing e-cigarettes or vaping devices, citing Canada’s travel advisory warning that tourists have been banned from bringing such items into Mexico since 2025. The advisory says customs officials could confiscate the items upon arrival and travelers could be fined or detained.
Feb.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia’s Duma Deputy Speaker Davankov calls for a total vape ban, citing drug sales disguised as vapes
Russia’s Duma Deputy Speaker Davankov calls for a total vape ban, citing drug sales disguised as vapes
Vladislav Davankov, deputy speaker of Russia’s State Duma, urged a nationwide ban on vapes, arguing it would help prevent drugs being sold under the cover of vaping products, including near schools. The remarks come as Russia prepares to enforce a separate ban on vape sales at public transport stops starting Sept. 1, 2026.
Feb.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai