8.1% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 2.6 million current smokers in Kenya
15.6% of men are current smokers but only 0.8% of women
Smoking in Kenya
There has been a downwards trend in current smoking prevalence in the general population in Kenya. Smoking prevalence was 15% in 2000 and declined to 10% in 2015, with a further drop to 8% projected by 2025. For men the prevalence decreased from 28% in 2000 to 20% in 2015, with a further decrease to 16% projected by 2025. For women a low prevalence of 2.4% in 2000 dropped to 1% in 2015, and is projected to decrease further still to around 0.7% by 2025. The WHO published prevalence trend estimates in tobacco smoking, as shown here, in their 2018 2nd edition report, which show slightly different smoking prevalence to the WHO country profiles. Data for the estimates are not age standardised, and were obtained from WHO databases. The trend lines are projections, not predictions, of future attainment. A projection indicates a likely endpoint if the country maintains its tobacco control efforts at the same level that it has implemented them to date. Therefore the impact of recent interventions could alter the expected endpoint shown in the projection. While the methods of estimation used in the first and second editions of the WHO report are the same, the volume of data available for the second edition is larger i.e. 200 more national surveys. The results presented are therefore more robust.
Deaths
In Kenya, 8118 people die each year due to tobacco smoking.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Kenya
There is no specific law regarding e-cigarettes. If you have an update please e-mail the GSTHR team.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Kenya
HTP is allowed. You can't advertise HTP in Kenya.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Kenya
In Kenya it is legal to purchase nicotine without using NRT prescription. Advertising of NRT is allowed. You can buy NRT in Pharmacy.
Snus
in Kenya
Snus is allowed. Use of Snus is permitted by law in Kenya.