Kenya Urged to Raise Tobacco Taxes Amid Growing Health Crisis

As Kenya marks World No Tobacco Day 2026, health advocates and the National Taxpayers Association (NTA) are urging Parliament to strengthen tobacco control laws through the Finance Bill 2026 and the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill 2024.

Speaking in Nairobi, NTA CEO Patrick Nyangweso warned that low tobacco taxes, weak enforcement, and the rapid spread of nicotine products are fueling a growing public health and economic crisis.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco kills more than 8 million people globally each year. In Kenya, tobacco use causes an estimated 12,000 deaths annually and contributes heavily to cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Data from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey and Tobacco Control Data Initiative shows that 8.5% of Kenyans aged 15–65 use tobacco, with usage highest among men and adults aged 45–49. Most smokers begin before age 18, making youth the tobacco industry’s primary target.

NTA says tobacco-related diseases place enormous pressure on households and the healthcare system, costing Kenya about Ksh 45.4 billion annually in healthcare expenses and lost productivity. The government reportedly spends nearly three times more treating tobacco-related illnesses than it collects in tobacco taxes.

The organization also raised concern over the rise of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, saying they are becoming increasingly affordable and attractive to young people.

To address the crisis, NTA is calling for:

1. A 30% annual increase in tobacco excise taxes over the next five years;
2. Higher taxes on e-cigarettes and nicotine products;
3. Stronger enforcement against illicit tobacco trade;
4. A ban on single-stick cigarette sales;
5. Increased funding for cancer treatment and tobacco control programmes;
6. Protection of youth from tobacco marketing on social media;
7. Support for alternative livelihoods for tobacco farmers.

The group further urged the government to ring-fence part of tobacco tax revenues for healthcare, cessation programmes, and economic transition support for tobacco-growing communities.

“Kenya cannot claim victory in tobacco control while tobacco and nicotine products remain affordable and accessible to children,” Nyangweso said.

The appeal comes as Parliament debates the Finance Bill 2026 against the backdrop of rising healthcare costs and increasing cases of tobacco-related illnesses across the country.