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

Product | OXVA launches Artio 2 liquid-tobacco pod device, positioned as distinct from HNB and traditional flavored e-cigarettes
Product | OXVA launches Artio 2 liquid-tobacco pod device, positioned as distinct from HNB and traditional flavored e-cigarettes
OXVA has released its Artio 2 pod device featuring the Liquid Tobacco Intelligent (LTI) platform. It offers around 400 puffs per charge, pods equivalent to about 35 cigarettes, five tobacco and shisha flavors, and a 900mAh battery with 30-minute fast charging. The company positions the device as distinct from HNB and traditional flavored e-cigarettes.
Nov.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Tobacco-Free Kids Condemns PMI for Marketing Zyn to Youth via F1 Sponsorship
Tobacco-Free Kids Condemns PMI for Marketing Zyn to Youth via F1 Sponsorship
Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, issued a statement on December 10, 2025, condemning Philip Morris International (PMI) for partnering with Ferrari to promote Zyn nicotine pouches on Formula 1 cars. She said PMI’s claim that the sponsorship targets adults is misleading, as F1’s audience has become increasingly young—with over 4 million children aged 8–12 now following the sport.
Dec.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JT launches half-price Ploom AURA promotion across online and offline channels
JT launches half-price Ploom AURA promotion across online and offline channels
Japan Tobacco (JT) has announced a limited-time promotion on selected standard colors of its heated tobacco device Ploom AURA, running from 8 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. During the campaign, the starter kit price will be cut from 2,980 yen (approximately US$19.20) to 1,480 yen (around US$9.53).
Dec.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | ELFBAR launches new “4-in-1” e-cigarette kit: 4× (1ml + 5ml) design, 4 flavors per set
Product | ELFBAR launches new “4-in-1” e-cigarette kit: 4× (1ml + 5ml) design, 4 flavors per set
ELFBAR has launched the “4 in 1 Ultra 50 VAPE KIT” through multiple online sales channels in the UK. The kit combines four 1ml prefilled pods with four 5ml refill containers. The company claims it can deliver up to around 50,000 puffs, with a retail price of approximately £13.99.
Dec.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Rolls Out Online PMTA Platform, a Move That 2Firsts Analysts Say Could Pull Grey-Market Products Toward Formal Compliance
FDA Rolls Out Online PMTA Platform, a Move That 2Firsts Analysts Say Could Pull Grey-Market Products Toward Formal Compliance
FDA’s launch of a web-based PMTA system signals faster reviews and, 2Firsts experts say, a possible inflection point for the U.S. e-cigarette market’s shift out of the grey zone.
Dec.04
KT&G Revises Partnership Terms with PMI, Secures Overseas Commercialization Rights for Multiple Heated Tobacco Platforms
KT&G Revises Partnership Terms with PMI, Secures Overseas Commercialization Rights for Multiple Heated Tobacco Platforms
KT&G has revised the terms of its 15-year partnership agreement with Philip Morris International (PMI), securing overseas commercialization rights for multiple heated tobacco platforms and adjusting the minimum guaranteed sales volume for lil-exclusive heated tobacco sticks from 16 billion units to 11 billion units.
Dec.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai