Experts want smoking zones abolished to arrest the habit

Smoking zone in Nairobi. [File, Standard]

Designated smoking zones have been cited among factors promoting smoking in the country.

The National Tobacco Association now wants all smoking zones abolished in a bid to reduce tobacco consumption, which is rampant among youths.

Tobacco Control and Health Promotion Alliance Board chairman Joel Gitari says smoking zones inadvertently encourage smoking.

“We become a country of smokers when we designate places for people to smoke. We do not have worship places set up for addicts,” he said, emphasising how such facilities may normalise smoking instead of discouraging the habit. 

Gitari spoke on Thursday at a workshop organised by National Taxpayers Association (NTA), and themed Safeguarding Public Health Through Progressive Regulatory Policies. 

Experts at the forum called for stronger regulations on tobacco consumption. 

“Our priority as a country must be placing health over profits. The  tobacco industry is viewing Africa as a region to exploit, and we must remain vigilant,” said Celine Awuor, the executive director of International Institute for Legislative Affairs. 

With smoking rates on the rise, especially among Kenyan youth, the discussion highlighted growing public health concerns amid global efforts to curb tobacco use.

“The increasing consumption level of tobacco products provides grounds for concern. How can you, as a country, think of eliminating the vice when we have room to accommodate the behaviour?” noted Awuor. Gitari proposed that taxing the product heavily will make it more expensive and discourage consumption.

“Effective tobacco taxation is a powerful tool for both encouraging cessation and generating revenue to support health initiatives,” said Gitari.

A recently released report revealed that a significant number of Kenyan youth have taken up smoking, further alarming parents and educators.

Andrew Toro, the head of drug and substance abuse at the Ministry of Health, says the country has made significant strides in tobacco control.

“We need to move from commitment to action. We must not only review existing policies but also ensure their full implementation. For instance, the establishment of the Tobacco Control Fund is long overdue and requires immediate attention to become operational,” Dr Toro said.

Addressing the emerging challenges posed by novel nicotine products Adrian Njenga, the senior policy and planning officer at National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse, reiterated that efforts to stop consumption require a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach.

“NACADA is concerned about the increasing appeal of these products, particularly among young people,” Njenga said.