NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 2 – A new survey has revealed that 83 percent of Kenyans support the government’s adoption of tobacco harm reduction (THR) policies, signaling overwhelming public demand for safer alternatives such as vapes and nicotine pouches.
The findings, released by the Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA), come as the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill 2024 proposes severe restrictions on these products, including flavour bans and nicotine content limits.
“Encouraging smokers to switch to safer alternatives would help them stop using conventional cigarettes,” CASA noted, citing that 85 percent of respondents believe THR would support quitting.
“Treating safer alternatives like vapes and nicotine pouches the same as combustible cigarettes does not make sense,”
CASA warned that restrictions could push users towards illicit products.
The poll, conducted online by Prodege between August 29 and September 4 with 1,022 participants, found that nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of Kenyans fear bans will fuel black market sales.
The concern is particularly acute among current users, 81 percent of whom believe a crackdown would drive illicit trade.
Kenya already faces a thriving illegal cigarette market, with 45 percent of all cigarettes smoked in the country estimated to be illicit.
CASA warns that harsh restrictions on safer alternatives would mirror this trend, undermining health goals while threatening legitimate businesses and jobs.
The study highlights public awareness of harm reduction, with 82 percent of adults saying they are familiar with the concept.
Two out of three Kenyans (63 percent) believe the government should run campaigns to promote switching to safer alternatives rather than imposing bans.
CASA has urged policymakers to adopt “measured regulation” that deters underage use while keeping alternatives affordable and accessible for adults seeking to quit.
