Read articles from Kenya

May 07, 2024 by kenyans.co.ke

In April 2024, Kenya's Ministry of Health proposed graphic warnings for tobacco-free nicotine products like vapes and pouches, despite scientific evidence showing their lower risk compared to cigarettes. Public health advocates argue that misleading warnings could deter smokers from switching to safer alternatives. Research supports that nicotine alternatives are effective in smoking cessation, with vapes being twice as effective as traditional methods. The Ministry of Health is currently gathering public feedback on the proposed warnings, with concerns that misinforming smokers could prevent life-saving switches.

May 07, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

Kenya's Ministry of Health is seeking public input on a plan requiring cigarette manufacturers to include graphic health warnings covering 80% of packaging. The initiative aims to educate about tobacco risks, discourage use, and reduce consumption. With 8.6% of Kenyans smoking in 2020, the government aims to cut this to under 5% by 2025. However, the tobacco industry argues the plan fails to differentiate between cigarettes and safer nicotine products like pouches. They advocate for separate regulations for tobacco and nicotine items.

March 05, 2024 by capitalfm.co.ke

Activists caution that the Kenyan Government's ban on vapes and nicotine pouches could worsen smoking-related harm. The Campaign for Safer Alternatives urges evidence-based policies, highlighting the reduced health risks of these products compared to cigarettes. Encouraging safer alternatives, like in the UK and Sweden, may be more effective in reducing smoking-related deaths. The group stresses the importance of regulating, not banning, these products to aid smokers in quitting and save lives.

February 22, 2024 by the-star.co.ke

The Ministry of Health is updating the Tobacco Control Act to regulate nicotine products like e-cigarettes and pouches due to their popularity among Kenyan youth. The revisions aim to strengthen regulations and address gaps to protect public health. Dr. George Githuka highlighted the need to anticipate future tobacco products and enhance collaboration with partners. The WHO warns of the harmful impacts of tobacco on health and socio-economic well-being. The updates will also restructure the compensation fund. The current law mandates funding for tobacco control programs, which has not been implemented.

January 24, 2024 by kenyainsights.com

An investigation by The Guardian has uncovered British American Tobacco (BAT) pressured Kenya to reduce health warnings on Lyft nicotine pouches, threatening investment withdrawal. BAT threatened it would pull investment from a Nairobi factory if its request for smaller labelling was not met.

October 11, 2023 by tobaccoreporter.com

Kenyan legislators are urging the government to ban the sale of BAT’s nicotine pouches Velo and Lyft, reports 2Firsts. The Kenyan Tobacco Control Act (KTCA) states that all packaging of nicotine pouches and tobacco products must contain warnings in English and Kiswahili. Sabina Chege, Member of Parliament, showed two boxes of Velo nicotine pouches, which only displayed a reminder that Velo contains nicotine, which can be addictive. The argument by experts is that nicotine also poses serious health risks.

August 29, 2023 by sokodirectory.com

World Lung Cancer Day on August 1 served as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that lung cancer has on millions of lives worldwide. It was a day to reinforce the global resolve to combat this formidable disease, but it also exposed a troubling paradox. Just as efforts were being made to raise awareness and find solutions to combat lung cancer, some misguided activists in Kenya were using the moment to advocate for tighter restrictions on nicotine products that offer smokers their best chance of avoiding the disease.

July 20, 2023 by kbc.co.ke

Now misinformation about alternative nicotine products, such as vapes and nicotine pouches, also threatens to result in unnecessary premature deaths. Fortunately, by acknowledging the overwhelming scientific evidence that shows the lifesaving potential of these products, we can make informed decisions to shape a healthier future for those adults who wish to quit smoking. Much of the misperception problem in Kenya lies in conflating tobacco and nicotine. Far too many people regard them as one and the same. Yet reputable scientists widely acknowledge that most of the harm associated with conventional cigarettes is caused by the toxicants in the smoke produced by the burning of tobacco. [...]

April 12, 2023 by businessdailyafrica.com

BAT Kenya has pegged local production at its Sh1.5 billion oral nicotine pouches factory on “less stringent” regulatory and taxation framework for the new category products.

Managing director Crispin Achola says an investment of a further Sh1 billion for testing of the plant, marketing and distribution of the nicotine pouches depends on authorities providing a facilitative environment.

BAT Kenya imports the non-combustible nicotine products, under ‘Velo’ brand, from other countries, particularly South Africa, despite putting up the factory in Nairobi.

August 31, 2022 by theafricareport.com

In less than 24 months, nicotine pouches are back on the Kenyan market after British American Tobacco (BAT), the biggest manufacturer in Kenya, lobbied government authorities for their reintroduction. Meanwhile, the tobacco manufacturer continues to push for the opening of its $2.5m nicotine manufacturing plant in Nairobi.

Confidential documents seen by The Africa Report show that BAT Kenya Plc imported ten tonnes of Velo – the new name for the nicotine pouches in Kenya, and the name given to the product in other countries – from South Africa in July 2022, and has already ordered additional supplies, which are expected to arrive in the country by the end of August.