On May 31, Kenya will join the rest of the world to mark World No Tobacco Day.
This is an annual observance that draws attention to the tobacco pandemic and the preventable deaths and diseases it causes in Kenya and globally.
This year, the theme is, 'Protect the environment'.
According to the World Health Organization together with CDC, tobacco kills over eight million people every year and destroys our environment.
Young people aged 13-15 years are more affected by tobacco use globally, according to Global Youth Tobacco Survey.
Tobacco negatively impacts the health of individuals and endangers the environment.
Tobacco growing was part of traditional farming but it creates worry since it's still grown on many farms.
Across the globe, many hectares of land are wasted to grow tobacco each year. Kenya is no exception.
The land should be utilised to grow food crops but instead of tobacco.
It should not be assumed that only specific forms of tobacco are harmful. That's not correct since experts suggest that all forms of tobacco are harmful and there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco.
Cigarette butts are among the most commonly discarded pieces of waste in Kenya and the globe.
Smoke that is released after burning tobacco contains a poisonous and destructive gas called carbon monoxide that contributes to elevated pollution.
It’s high time the government and other concerned stakeholders found a solution to fight this menace.
The government and policymakers should support tobacco farmers to switch to alternative and more sustainable livelihoods to reduce the environmental impact of tobacco growing.
Fresh rules and regulations should be implemented by states so that companies manufacturing tobacco products are stopped from doing such business.
Tobacco users mostly youths and older people should be educated on the negative effects of using tobacco both on health and the environment.
It is also wise to establish more rehabilitation centres so that tobacco users can have the opportunity to be sensitised.
Tobacco is destructive.
Student and Radio Yetu Journalist, Nakuru
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
