Despite the bold warnings printed on cigarette packs, informing consumers that smoking is hazardous to health, many continue to purchase and consume tobacco, seemingly indifferent to the risks. It’s a perplexing contradiction—like walking toward the edge of a cliff while fully aware of the impending danger, yet still choosing to jump.
Even though the dangers of smoking are well-documented, many smokers casually disregard the warnings, exposing not only themselves but also others to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. This contributes to an alarming rise in respiratory diseases and other health complications.
Did you know that over 12,000 Kenyans die annually due to smoking-related illnesses? When I posed this statistic to Tom (not his real name), a long-time smoker, his reaction was mixed—shock, disbelief, and ultimately, a shrug of indifference. “We’re all going to die someday,” he said. While it’s true that death is inevitable, I reminded him that life as a smoker is often filled with unnecessary suffering and a reduced quality of life.
Tobacco smoking is a known risk factor for chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, various cancers, and diabetes. While these facts gave Tom pause, what truly struck a chord was the increasing cost of cigarettes. A typical pack of 20 cigarettes in Kenya now costs around KES 340, with taxes making up just 32% of the price. The World Health Organization recommends taxes account for 70-75% of the retail price to effectively curb consumption.
Tom’s story mirrors that of many smokers. He began smoking as a teenager, influenced by peer pressure. Over time, smoking became an expensive habit, forcing him to cut back as prices rose. “I used to smoke a pack a day when cigarettes were just KES 3 a stick. But as the prices climbed, I had no choice but to reduce my intake,” he recalled.
Data from 2014-2022 supports Tom’s experience. Smoking prevalence among Kenyan men aged 15-49 has dropped from 15.8% to 9.3%, largely due to price hikes. Interestingly, the prevalence among women has slightly increased during the same period, highlighting the complex dynamics of tobacco consumption.
National agencies such as NACADA, alongside NGOs and community-based organizations like the Den of Hope Youth Group, have been at the forefront of advocating for higher tobacco taxes. The rationale is simple: increasing the price of tobacco products not only forces smokers to cut back but also generates revenue that can be reinvested in public health initiatives.
Taxing tobacco products is a proven strategy, particularly effective among youth and low-income groups, who are more sensitive to price changes. Martina (not her real name), another smoker, admitted that the rising cost of cigarettes has made her reduce her consumption. Like Tom, she started smoking out of curiosity as a teenager, only to find it difficult to quit.
The economic cost of smoking extends beyond individual health. Tobacco use imposes a significant burden on Kenya’s healthcare system and economy. It is estimated that for every dollar the country earns from the tobacco industry, it loses between $2.2 and $3 in healthcare costs and productivity losses. With 39% of all deaths annually linked to smoking-related illnesses, the need to raise tobacco taxes has never been more urgent.
The call for higher taxes on tobacco products is not just about penalizing a harmful habit; it’s about generating the resources needed to mitigate the damage tobacco inflicts on our society. By investing the revenue in healthcare and prevention initiatives, we can begin to undo the harm tobacco has caused. The economic and health benefits far outweigh the costs, making this a vital step toward a healthier, smoke-free future for Kenya.
Written by Zelpha Ingasiah, Kamukunji Youth, and Tobacco Control Advocate DOHG