NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 21 – The government’s decision to impose graphic health warnings on alternative nicotine products could undermine efforts to curb the 12,000 annual smoking-related deaths in Kenya, according to the Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA).
The warnings, featuring explicit images and alarming language, equate vapes and nicotine pouches with more harmful combustible cigarettes, which CASA argues sends a misleading message to smokers trying to quit.
“This will send a dangerously wrong message to smokers who are seeking safer alternatives,” said Joseph Magero, Chairman of CASA.
“The warnings contradict extensive scientific evidence that shows how smoke-free nicotine products are reducing smoking-related deaths worldwide.”
Magero emphasized that alternative nicotine products have been extensively studied and are significantly less harmful than traditional cigarettes.
“Public Health England has repeatedly concluded that vapes are approximately 95% less harmful than smoking combustible tobacco. Additionally, the Cochrane network recently reaffirmed that these products are among the most effective tools for smoking cessation.”
New research co-authored by Magero highlights how Kenya is falling behind in reducing smoking-related harm.
Sweden, which is on track to become the first country to achieve ‘smoke-free’ status, has successfully implemented harm reduction strategies alongside traditional tobacco control measures.
By ensuring vapes and pouches remain accessible, acceptable, and affordable, Sweden has dramatically reduced smoking rates and now has the lowest cancer incidence in the European Union.
Conversely, Kenya’s graphic health warnings could mislead smokers and the public.
“Graphic warnings are typically associated with combustible tobacco, which poses a significantly higher health risk due to combustion,” Magero said. “Applying similar warnings to alternative nicotine products creates confusion and discourages smokers from switching to safer options.”
CASA is urging the Ministry of Health to prioritize evidence-based policies that support harm reduction and smoking cessation.
“The government should focus on educating the public about the relative risks of different nicotine products, providing cessation support, and implementing regulations that ensure the safety and quality of alternative nicotine products,” Magero added.
“Additionally, risk-proportionate taxation should be introduced to encourage smokers to transition to less harmful alternatives.”
CASA continues to advocate for harm reduction strategies grounded in scientific evidence and proven to save lives.
The organization calls on policymakers to reconsider the introduction of graphic health warnings on alternative nicotine products and instead adopt strategies that promote a healthier, smoke-free Kenya.
