Survey Warns Flavour Ban Could Push Kenyan Smokers Back to Cigarettes

A recent survey conducted by the Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA) has raised concerns that a proposed ban on flavored nicotine products in Kenya could force some users to return to smoking cigarettes. The survey found that 50% of respondents who use nicotine pouches and vapes cite these products as helping them quit smoking, while 47% view them as a less harmful alternative to cigarettes.

The Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, currently under consideration by Parliament, proposes new restrictions on smoke-free nicotine products, including a ban on most flavors. Flavors, the survey suggests, are crucial in helping some smokers transition away from cigarettes, with 50% stating flavors aid in staying entirely cigarette-free, and 43% saying flavors help reduce their smoking frequency.

Only 14% preferred tobacco-flavored products, with most opting for menthol, fruit, and other non-tobacco flavors. When asked about their response to a flavored nicotine product ban, 32% of participants indicated they would revert to smoking, while 18% said they would increase their smoking. Additionally, 33% stated they would seek flavored products through alternative sources.

The survey indicates strong support for broader public consultations on the proposed legislation, with 88% of respondents favoring open public consultations and 89% emphasizing the need for policymakers to prioritize helping smokers quit rather than implementing a flavor ban. CASA Chairman Joseph Magero emphasized that the findings should prompt Parliament to consider the experiences of smokers trying to quit, urging the government to listen to consumer concerns before finalizing the bill.