Senator Catherine Mumma introduced a motion on Wednesday calling for the regulation of electronic cigarettes in the country, citing alarming health concerns especially among youth.
Mumma said the current legal clauses regulating tobacco use do not address non-tobacco products such as e-cigarettes. As a result, there are no restrictions on the use, advertising, promotion, sponsorship, or packaging of these synthetic nicotine products. She argued the regulatory gap has contributed to the rising popularity of e-cigarettes and vaping devices.
To curb this trend, Mumma recommended that the Ministry of Health develop a comprehensive national policy instituting controls over the manufacture, sale, marketing, and use of these alternative nicotine delivery systems.
“There are a number of schools, at least several in Nairobi, that have had to issue circulars to parents to warn them about their children engaging in vaping or bringing e-cigarettes to school,” Mumma said in her remarks.
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She noted that social media is filled with advertising for vaping products from both local and international companies, explicitly targeting Kenyan youth.
“Our social media platforms are awash with advertising of these products and many children are actually taking this up,” Mumma said.
Mumma highlighted research conducted around the world that has shown e-cigarettes and vaping carry significant health risks, including lung injuries, addiction to nicotine, and unknown long-term effects.
Figures from the Kenya Revenue Authority indicate there has been a rapid uptick in imports of nicotine-laced e-liquids over the past two years, coinciding with the rise in vaping among secondary school students.
Senator Boni Khalwale rose to second the motion, emphasizing the need to fast-track legislation on e-cigarette regulation. “This motion should quickly go through, but importantly, let us transcend to a Bill so that proper research is done for us to actualize this law,” Khalwale said.
Senator Stewart Madzayo warned of interference from e-cigarette companies seeking to influence policy. “We have to be prepared for backlash from the tobacco and e-cigarette industry, which will try to block sensible regulation at every turn,” Madzayo said.
The Senate unanimously approved Mumma’s motion on Wednesday, moving Kenya closer to regulating the growing e-cigarette industry amid mounting health concerns. The motion now heads to the National Assembly for consideration.
