This archive report was first published on 29 July 2019.
Published on July 29, 2019
Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance (KETCA) has expressed concerns over the introduction of e-cigarettes by British American Tobacco (BAT), citing the potential risks to non-smokers, especially the youth.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the promotion of e-cigarettes and other nicotine products poses a complex threat to countries around the world.
According to KETCA, the products have not been endorsed by WHO for smoking cessation, and the alliance is urging the government not to license them for sale in Kenya.
Speaking at a press briefing, KETCA chairman Joel Gitali said that the introduction of e-cigarettes could lead to tobacco industry interference in tobacco cessation efforts through misinformation about the potential benefits of these products.
“The possibility of tobacco industry interference in tobacco cessation efforts through misinformation about the potential benefits of these products is a real threat,” he said.
He also expressed concern that the products might influence the youth into using them, and that introducing them in the market should be a real concern on the risk they pose to non-smokers.
“Introducing these products in the market should be a real concern on the risk they pose to non-smokers who start to use them, especially the young people,” Gitali added.
KETCA National Coordinator Thomas Lindi also expressed concerns over the introduction of e-cigarettes, citing the lack of adequate data to show that the new products are a less risky alternative.
“Why should Kenyans be subjected to harmful products merely because they are less harmful? The possibility of tobacco industry interference in tobacco cessation efforts and their misinformation about the benefits of the products should be a concern,” reiterated Lindi.
He also noted that esophageal cancer kills nearly everyone who contracts it in Kenya, and that cigarette smoking is an important risk factor for this type of cancer.
“Even with the decline of tobacco products from nine percent in 2012 to 8 percent in 2017, there are still about 2.2 million Kenyans still using tobacco products,” he said.
Emma Wanyonyi, CEO of the Institute for Legislative Affairs, also expressed concerns over the introduction of e-cigarettes, citing the exposure to carcinogens and other toxicants may increase the risk for cancer, heart disease and reproductive effects.
“The products that BAT wants to introduce have nicotine and no studies have been done to show us otherwise,” she said, noting that most Kenyans are struggling with cigarette smoking and now with the introduction of the e-cigarettes, it will be a gateway for even hard drugs.
