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

German Environment Minister Backs Ban on Disposable E-Cigarettes, Citing Safety Risks
German Environment Minister Backs Ban on Disposable E-Cigarettes, Citing Safety Risks
Germany’s Environment Minister Carsten Schneider has expressed clear support for banning disposable e-cigarettes, citing safety hazards, environmental damage, and waste management risks. While the ban has not yet been finalized, Germany’s parliament has instructed the government to examine the proposal. Several European countries, including Belgium, France, and the UK, have already implemented similar bans.
Dec.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Phnom Penh “Mystery House” raided: authorities seize over 300,000 smoking devices and related items
Phnom Penh “Mystery House” raided: authorities seize over 300,000 smoking devices and related items
A Phnom Penh venue selling electronic smoking devices — nicknamed the “Mystery House” — was raided on the night of January 15, 2026, with authorities seizing over 300,000 items and arresting the 58-year-old owner. Seized evidence included smoking machines, cigarette heads, bottles of vape juice and marijuana grinding machines.
Jan.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Barnsley: Town-centre vape shop and owner hit with £15,000+ bill after ignoring three improvement notices
UK Barnsley: Town-centre vape shop and owner hit with £15,000+ bill after ignoring three improvement notices
A Barnsley town-centre vape retailer and its owner have been ordered to pay more than £15,000 after admitting multiple offences linked to the continued sale of illegal single-use vapes and non-compliant food items, despite three formal improvement notices.
Feb.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
New York directs Tax and Finance to build “Vapor Products” registry; products not listed deemed illegal
New York directs Tax and Finance to build “Vapor Products” registry; products not listed deemed illegal
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says the state will crack down on illegal flavored vapes by creating a registry identifying which vapor products may be legally sold. The governor directed the state Department of Taxation and Finance to establish a “Vapor Products” registry, with products not on the list treated as illegal.
Jan.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nicaragua’s Health Ministry reaffirms Resolution No. 334-2021, maintaining a total ban on vaping and e-cigarette sales
Nicaragua’s Health Ministry reaffirms Resolution No. 334-2021, maintaining a total ban on vaping and e-cigarette sales
Nicaragua’s Ministry of Health (MINSA) issued an official statement on January 2, 2026 reaffirming the validity of Ministerial Resolution No. 334-2021, which absolutely bans the use and commercialization of electronic nicotine delivery systems known as “vapeadores” or e-cigarettes.
Jan.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Canada: “I Want My Pouches” launches during National Non-Smoking Week to push easier adult access to nicotine pouches
Canada: “I Want My Pouches” launches during National Non-Smoking Week to push easier adult access to nicotine pouches
Canadian consumer advocacy group I Want My Pouches announced its launch during National Non-Smoking Week, calling for straightforward, consistent and practical adult access to nicotine pouches.
Jan.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai