It was an honor to represent the National Taxpayers Association (NTA) at the Conference on Tobacco Taxation and Health Financing, held on August 14, 2025, in Lusaka, Zambia. Together with policymakers drawn from more than 10 countries, we examined how tobacco taxation can reduce consumption and sustainably finance health systems.
Kenya’s experience demonstrates that strategic taxation is effective—reducing tobacco use while generating critical revenue. Grateful to Mr. Linstrom Marangu (ATAF) for a powerful keynote and to all participants driving this continental conversation forward.
Representing Kenya, I had the opportunity to share valuable insights from our country’s tobacco control journey:
• Kenya has seen a notable decline in adult tobacco use from 11.6% in 2014 to 8.5% in 2022, thanks to deliberate policy and taxation efforts.
• The health toll remains significant, with tobacco use claiming an estimated 12,000 lives annually and contributing heavily to the burden of non-communicable diseases.
• Kenya has seen a notable decline in adult tobacco use from 11.6% in 2014 to 8.5% in 2022, thanks to deliberate policy and taxation efforts.
• The health toll remains significant, with tobacco use claiming an estimated 12,000 lives annually and contributing heavily to the burden of non-communicable diseases.
• Kenya’s legal and policy framework, including the Tobacco Control Act (2007), Excise Duty Act (2015), and our commitment to the WHO FCTC Treaty, has provided a solid foundation for sustained action.
• Through a structured and evolving tobacco tax regime, Kenya raised over Kshs. 100 billion in tobacco tax revenue in the 2023/2024 fiscal year alone.
• Recent amendments in 2024 have further increased excise duty on tobacco and nicotine products; part of our ongoing strategy to reduce consumption and strengthen domestic health financing.
Let’s continue strengthening fiscal policy for a healthier, more equitable Africa. #HealthEquity #TobaccoControl #TaxJustice #NTAKenya #Leadership #PublicHealth