Top Stories from Kenya
6.4% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 2.3 million current smokers in Kenya
12.1% of men are current smokers but only 0.9% of women
Country profile
Data sourced:
2025.
Page updated:
2026-01-30
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.
9,418
Deaths
In Kenya, 9,418 people die each year due to tobacco smoking.
6.4%
tobacco smoking
The prevalence of current tobacco smoking among adults is 6.4%.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Kenya
Nicotine Vaping Devices, commonly known as e-cigarettes, are subject to regulatory controls in Kenya since July 2025. Prior to these regulations, some online sources such as Anti Smoking Global Index (https://antismoking.global/world-map) and Tobacco Control Laws (https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/kenya/e-cigarettes) stated that e-cigarettes are allowed with some restrictions. These regulations will deprive many smokers of safer alternatives.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Kenya
Kenya permits Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) by law. The sale, purchase, and use of HTPs are legally allowed, and they can be purchased without a prescription. There are no restrictions on their flavor range. However, several important restrictions should be noted: health warnings must be displayed on the packaging, and all forms of advertising for HTPs are banned. The excise tax rate is set at 10% of the tax applied to conventional cigarettes. In summary, HTPs are permitted in Kenya, but they are subject to some certain regulations.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Kenya
In Kenya, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is allowed, and it is legal to use, sell, and purchase NRT products without a prescription. They are available in pharmacies and are included on the country's essential drugs list. However, the government does not provide financial support to cover the cost of NRT.
Snus
in Kenya
Snus is legally permitted in Kenya, allowing its sale, purchase, and use. There are no restrictions on flavour ranges. However, some other limitations apply: health warnings are required on packaging, and health claims are not allowed. Excise taxes are set at more than 50%, or an amount equivalent to those levied on cigarettes.
Pouches
in Kenya
In Kenya, nicotine pouches are legally allowed, including their sale, online purchase, and use. There are no restrictions on the range of their flavours. However, some restrictions still apply: health warnings on packaging are required, health claims are not permitted, and nicotine content is restricted to less than 16.6 mg per pouch. The general taxation rate is 0.02 KES per pouch (10 mg), and the excise tax rate ranges between 10% and 50% of those levied on cigarettes.
The GSTHR database is updated regularly by our team.
However, please be aware that the information we provide does not constitute legal advice.
We cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or accurate, as the regulatory status of different product
categories can change at short notice and with little publicity.
If you wish to check the legal status of use or possession of any safer nicotine product in a specific country or region,
you should verify the information independently.
If you have reason to think that the information supplied on the GSTHR is inaccurate, please contact us with details
and any references and we will rectify any errors.