The Harm Reduction Society has raised concerns over delays to the Senate’s Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill 2024, warning that the holdup is creating regulatory uncertainty and fuelling misinformation about smokeless nicotine products.
The Bill, first published in July 2024, seeks to establish a legal framework for smokeless nicotine products, which are currently unregulated in Kenya.
“Vapes have been in existence for 20 years, yet we still don’t have basic laws in Kenya to prevent them from being sold to under-18s,” said Dr Michael Kariuki, Secretary-General of the Harm Reduction Society.
Speaking on World Vape Day, Dr Kariuki said while the Bill has flaws, it marks an essential first step toward regulating alternative nicotine products.
“While there are issues with the Bill, we must move forward from the current stasis and begin progressing a regulatory structure for alternative nicotine products,” he said.
He warned that the lack of regulation over the past year has allowed misinformation to spread about the relative safety of smokeless nicotine products compared to cigarettes.
“In the year since the bill was first published, Kenyans have faced a growing barrage of misinformation about the safety of nicotine products relative to cigarettes. That misinformation is preventing smokers from switching to reduced-risk products, which could save their lives,” he said.
Dr Kariuki stressed the importance of accurate information to support smokers who want to quit.
“Smokers deserve clarity about the relative risks of smokeless nicotine products compared to smoking and their ability to reduce tobacco-related disease. This can only be achieved if the bill is accelerated,” he said.
The Society pointed to international examples, noting that countries like Sweden and New Zealand have introduced regulatory frameworks that support access to nicotine alternatives. These nations now report some of the lowest smoking rates globally.
“Some 12,000 people die every year in Kenya from tobacco-related deaths,” said Dr Kariuki. “We need to urgently prioritise helping smokers who are struggling to quit to get off cigarettes once and for all.”
He highlighted evidence showing that vapes are among the most effective tools to help smokers quit.
“International evidence shows that nicotine products like vapes are the most effective tools to help smokers quit. Saving lives must be the priority,” he said.
Dr Kariuki concluded with a call for urgent regulatory action.
“Today, on World Vape Day, there shouldn’t be any need for further debate. What Kenya requires right now is balanced regulation of nicotine products that prevents under-18s access, while ensuring adult smokers have the best tools to help them quit their deadly habit,” he said.
