Profile
Kenya Flag
Cigarettes
Traditional Smokeless
HTP
E-cigarettes
Snus
Pouches
NRT
Kenya Background
Profile
Kenya Flag
Cigarettes
Traditional Smokeless
HTP
E-cigarettes
Snus
Pouches
NRT
Data sourced: 2025.   Page updated: 2025-04-24

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.

Product promotion

References:
  1. Anti Smoking Global Index. Nicotine Pouches. Available at: https://antismoking.global/world-map. Accessed: 10 April 2025.

Regulation

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Year Value Reference/Comment
2022 Banned 1A
2024 Allowed 1B
2024 Allowed 1C
References:
  1. Country Fact Sheets. (2022, April). Tobacco Transformation Index. https://tobaccotransformationindex.org/country-comparison/
  2. Anti-smoking Global Index. (2024). [Data set]. https://antismoking.global/
  3. Anti Smoking Global Index. Nicotine Pouches. Available at: https://antismoking.global/world-map. Accessed: 10 April 2025.
References:
  1. Anti Smoking Global Index. Nicotine Pouches. Available at: https://antismoking.global/world-map. Accessed: 10 April 2025.

Availability

References:
  1. Anti Smoking Global Index. Nicotine Pouches. Available at: https://antismoking.global/world-map. Accessed: 10 April 2025.
Comments:
  1. Information is not available or lack of reliable sources.

Regulations and restrictions

References:
  1. The Examination. Kenya sets precedent with graphic health warnings on vapes and nicotine pouches. Available at: https://www.theexamination.org/articles/kenya-sets-precedent-with-graphic-health-warnings-on-vapes-and-nicotine-pouches. Accessed: 10 April 2025.
  2. Anti Smoking Global Index. Nicotine Pouches. Available at: https://antismoking.global/world-map. Accessed: 10 April 2025.

Tax

Between 10% and 50% of those levied on cigarettes
1
2024
0.02 KES per pouch (10 mg)
2
2024
References:
  1. Anti Smoking Global Index. Nicotine Pouches. Available at: https://antismoking.global/world-map. Accessed: 10 April 2025.
  2. Mostert CM, Ayo-Yusuf OA, Kumar M, Aballa A, Njoroge W, Bosire E, Khakali L, Thomi J, Muthaura K, Atwoli L, Merali Z. A case for increasing taxes on cigarettes, vapes and oral nicotine pouches, Kenya. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 2024 Jul 4;102(8):618.
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.