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Category: GOVERNANCE AND OPINION

  • Coastal MPs Denounce Finance Bill and school Teargas Incident, demands Accountability and Reforms

    As the country is on the verge of economic growth, there is an uproar over the ongoing countrywide demonstrations over the punitive finance bill recommendations, igniting fireworks across the nation right from parliament.

    As a section of coastal region MPs expressed dissatisfaction with the finance bill, Azimio La Umoja legislators have raised unrest over the finance bill, saying it’s a punitive measure to close down the country’s expectations to grow.

    Mombasa Woman MP Zamzam Mohamed revealed that the Finance Bill 2024 has sneaked in the price hike of the X-ray machines through a backdoor, saying it’s a corrupt funding scheme.

    “That radiology and X-ray equipment will be heavily taxed; the finance bill’s page 592, article 43, highlights this under the heading “Cancer patients.” Sadly, the patients will pay highly, and we ask for the removal of that section. This finance bill is all about financing corruption where over 1 trillion cannot be accounted for.” Zamzam quotes.

    Zamzam added, “Whatever you’re doing will get into your generation, and it shall eat you more than how it will hit us, and the removal of fuel and bread was a strategy to cool the hit, it will not be as usual as you may think under the Kenya Kwanza regime.”

    Mishi said, “Kenyans are tired and poor with this government, you’ve done zero implementations on the finance bill of 2023, and now here you come with a punitive 2024 finance bill, so you want us to be like Dubai, we are still developing, and you need t give us a break, the country is tired.”

    Mombasa County legislators have expressed their profound outrage over the tear-gassing incident at Coast Girls School during the recent nationwide protests, characterizing the action as a reprehensible act of cowardice, calling for an immediate investigation into the conduct of the involved police officers and the imposition of appropriate disciplinary measures.

    “We call upon the investigation of those police involved in the lobbing of teargas into a school, demonstrations and picketing are constitutional rights and the government should stand its ground to listen to the voice of the people at all times,” Mishi Mboko said.

    Leading the condemnation, the MPs emphasized the incident’s seriousness, its unacceptable nature, and the pressing need for accountability. They also emphasized that such actions not only jeopardize students’ safety and well-being but also reveal a concerning contempt for human rights and the rule of law.

    “The deployment of tear gas within the confines of an educational institution, where young girls were present, is an egregious violation of their safety and dignity,” Chimba stated.

    Zamzam, on her side, said, “This act not only reflects poorly on the integrity of our law enforcement agencies but also poses serious questions about their operational protocols during public demonstrations.”

    Mboko, however, stressed the importance of protecting educational spaces from the volatility of political unrest.

    “Schools should be sanctuaries of learning, not battlegrounds for political agendas. The incident at Coast Girls School is a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in how security forces engage with civilians during protests,” she asserted.

    Kisauni, a legislator and former GSU officer, added, “We call for a collective and thorough investigation into the incident, that those responsible be held accountable and the police officers involved be subjected to stringent disciplinary actions to prevent future occurrences and save the integrity of the nation’s law enforcement institutions.”

    Mvita Mp, Mohamed Soud Machele, said, “The act created tension for the young girls and our children have been hospitalized We call every parent whose child was involved in that incident to record a statement in police and we shall take the matter as legislators to bring sanity in these institutions.”

    This incident has ignited a broader discourse on the necessity of safeguarding educational environments from the collateral impacts of civil unrest and ensuring that law enforcement agencies adhere to the principles of proportionality and respect for human rights.

     

  • Peaceful Demonstration by the Concerned Citizens are Constitutional” Says CCM

    During the CCM media Briefing in Nairobi.

     

    The leaders of Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) have today highlighted and condemned the use of force by police and arrest observed during the peaceful protests Yesterday.

    “We commend the Concerned Citizens for the manner in which they conducted themselves during the peaceful protests in the last few days even though 335 of them were arrested for holding constitutionally protected peaceful protests.
    The Kenya Kwanza administration, since taking over office has killed Kenyans’ hope of the brighter future they promised through the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda. Kenyans are suffering because of the incompetent people appointed in serious positions and end up stealing and politicking. This includes heads of parastatals, top police officers, PSs and even cabinet secretaries with Scandals after Scandals. To Kenyans, enough is enough.” Said Prof.Fred Ogola TrailBlazer Business strategies and Citizens Movement.

    He further observed that, the whole matter began with the formation of incompetent executive unfortunately approved by Parliament. They have been busy with politicking, corruption and unnecessary infighting instead of fixing the economy.

     

    During Madaraka Day 2024, Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) was to launch the Mwananchi bill realizing that citizens had lost their sovereignty because they had lost their power to decide how much taxes they paid, how the taxes are collected and how the taxes are used.
    Proper use of tax revenue would guarantee the citizens’ livelihoods, comfort and future.

    Prof Fred Ogola further added that, the rallying call of the Mwananchi bill is HAKUNA MADARAKA BILA MAMLAKA, which is to be achieved through DEBE KABLA YA DEBE referendum, to ammend Cap 1 of the Constitution of Kenya. This will give Kenyans the power to recall the president, deputy president or both directly through a referendum because the current constitution has no answer to what Kenyans should do with a president or deputy president who violates the constitution or mismanages the economy but parliament is unwilling or compromised to impeach him or her.

    The government forcefully dispersed a legitimate and peaceful procession, arrested and locked up eight of CCM leaders at the Central Police Station for two days.
    Therefore, we shall all take action, support the Mananchi Bill, raise at least one million signatures and amend the Constitution of Kenya to enable us to recall a president, deputy president or both, at any time of their tenure, when their service delivery is unsatisfactory.

    In that regard CCM demands the following from the government:

    • That first all the Kenyans who were arrested to be released immediately and unconditionally as they simply expressed their constitutional and democratic rlghts,
    • The finance bill to be withdrawn in total. It is unnecessary because more than a third of the proposed 3.99 Trillion budget will go into corruption budgeted or not, that is 1.3 Trilion. Another 1.3 Trillion into wastages through non-priority expenditures. Employing good governance would realize 2.6 Trillion and save Kenyans the killing tax burden,
    • The government to respect the constitution by leaving Concerned Citizens to exercise their sovereignty and right to peaceful protest enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya,
    • The Inspector General of Police and all Police Commanders to ensure the police service remains a police service by protecting peaceful protesters but not using unnecessary force. They must not use live ammunitions or spark violence. There should be no use of Civilian dressed police in harassing and beating Concerned citizens as they exercise their constitutional rights. On this matter they are Concerned citizens not criminals.
    •  That Concerned Citizens to continue exercising their constitutional rights peacefully until our demands are met by the government.

     

  • Turkana Central MP demands thorough investigation into shooting and killing of constituent and three fishermen

    Turkana Central MP Hon. Joseph Emathe has demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the shooting and killing of his constituent, Daniel Esinyen, and other fishermen in Kanakwara Fish Village Turkana County.

    The incident involved Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers in a helicopter while the victims were fishing in Lake Turkana on Saturday, June 15, 2024.

    According to Hon. Emathe, the tragic incident has left the Turkana community in shock and mourning.

    “Many boats have been destroyed by KWS officers, and numerous innocent fishermen remain missing, feared dead. The senseless violence and loss of innocent lives must be addressed immediately,” Emathe stated during a press conference at Parliament Buildings on Tuesday.

    “As the representative of the great people of Turkana Central constituency, I demand a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident,” he added.

    The Turkana legislator emphasized that those responsible for this heinous act must be held accountable.

    “We call on the relevant authorities to ensure justice for Daniel Esinyen and his friends, and to take immediate steps to protect our community from such unwarranted aggression in the future,” he declared even as he insisted that the tragic incident has left his community in shock and mourning.
    Despite the motive behind the brutal attack remaining unknown, Hon. Joseph Emathe stated that the recent incident is part of a series of violent confrontations in the region involving Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers and local communities.

    He cited that on June 12, 2024, Merille poachers clashed with KWS, resulting in the deaths of two KWS rangers.

    On June 13, 2024, local villagers were chased by KWS rangers into the hills and bushes.

    On June 15, 2024, KWS attacked Kanakwara Fish Village, targeting Daniel Esinyen and his companions—David Emuny, John Ewoi, and David Ekiru. Daniel Esinyen (ID 24076166) was shot and killed.
    According to the legislator, Daniel Esinyen, a former manager of the Lodwar Youth Polytechnic, was on leave and had traveled from Kalokol to Kanakwara Village, near Sibiloi, for a fishing trip with three friends.

    During their fishing activities, they encountered a KWS helicopter that, without any provocation, began spraying bullets at them.

    “It is important to note that they were far from the park’s protected area, engaging in peaceful fishing activities,” Emathe said.

    He narrated that in an attempt to save their lives, Daniel’s colleagues dived into the lake.

    “Daniel, however, stood with his hands raised in a clear gesture of surrender. Despite this, the KWS officer aboard the helicopter continued to shoot, ignoring the pilot’s desperate commands to cease fire,” he emphasized.

    Daniel was tragically shot and succumbed to his injuries.

    “His friends, who hid behind their boat, later found him dead. Shockingly, the helicopter returned and fired upon them again, forcing them to seek refuge in the lake once more,” Emathe recounted.

    On Monday, June 17, 2024, a postmortem conducted on Daniel’s body revealed that his spinal cord, liver, and lungs were destroyed, leading to his death.
    “One bullet was retrieved from his body and is currently held by the DCI Lodwar,” he told journalists.

  • China Square Newest Lang’ata Branch Comes With Exciting Discounts

    Branch Chinese retail merchant China Square has opened the most recent outlet in Nairobi as it seeks to grow its footprint in the Kenyan capital and beyond.

    The newest Lang’ata Branch, unveiled over the weekend at a colourful ceremony in full glare of the media, is testimony that China Square continues to penetrate the Kenyan retail market.

    Speaking during the grand opening, China Square Managing Director Mr. Lei Cheng hailed Kenya as the preferred investment destination in the East African region, urging other investors to seize the opportunity and invest in the country.

    During the opening session, management of the retail mall ensured that prices of all available merchandise retailed at 20 percent lower as an incentive to draw more buyers and enhance trust.

    Sources indicate that China Square invested Sh600 million to lease the branch owned by Uchumi Supermarkets.

    It goes without saying that the China Square Langata launch was a big success as many Kenyans from all walks of life turned up to get a first-hand experience of the occasion punctuated by pomp and grandeur.

    The management led by Mr. Lei Cheng expressed their gratitude to all who joined in the grand opening.

    On top of enjoying a 20 per cent discount on all items on the launch day, customers will also take advantage of a 12 per cent to 40 per cent price cut on available home appliances until July 15, 2024 at the new branch in Lang’ata.

    Curious Kenyans who thronged the China Square Lang’ata Hyper (formely Uchumi Lang’ata Hyper) got an exciting experience sampling a wide array of merchandise and the pricing before they indulge in a shopping spree, just as a previous day post would suggest.

    “Get ready to laugh and shop till you drop! We’re bringing the fun and excitement to China Square Langata’s Grand Opening!  Crazy Discounts of up to 40 per cent on home appliances and 20 per cent off all items except home appliances!” read a post on one of their social media pages.

  • Air Pollution Linked to 8.1 Million Deaths Worldwide in 2021, Emerging as the Second Leading Cause of Mortality, Including Among Children

    Air pollution is having an increasing impact on human health, becoming the second leading global risk factor for death,
    according to the fifth edition of the State of Global Air (SoGA) report.

    The report, released today by the Health Effects Institute (HEI), an independent U.S.-based nonprofit research organization, found air pollution accounted for 8.1 million deaths globally in 2021. Beyond these deaths, many more millions of people are living with debilitating chronic diseases, putting tremendous strains on healthcare systems, economies, and societies.

    Produced for the first time in partnership with UNICEF, the report finds that children under five years old are especially vulnerable, with health effects including premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, and lung diseases.

    In 2021, exposure to air pollution was linked to more than 700,000 deaths of children under five years old, making it the second-leading risk factor for death globally for this age group, after malnutrition.

    A staggering 500,000 of these child deaths were linked to household air pollution due to cooking indoors with polluting fuels, mostly in Africa and Asia.

    A Global Health Concern
    The new SoGA Report offers a detailed analysis of recently released data from the Global Burden of Disease study from 2021 that shows the severe health impacts pollutants like outdoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5), household air pollution, ozone (O3), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are having on human health around the world.

    The report includes data from more than 200 countries and territories around the world, indicating that nearly every person on earth breathes unhealthy levels of air pollution every day, with far-reaching health implications.

    More than 90 percent of these global air pollution deaths – 7.8 million people – are attributed to PM2.5 air pollution, including from ambient PM2.5 and household air pollution. These tiny particles, measuring less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, are so small they remain in the lungs and can enter the bloodstream, affecting many organ systems and increasing the risks for noncommunicable diseases in adults like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to the report, PM2.5 is the most consistent and accurate predictor of poor health outcomes around the world.

    “We hope our State of Global Air report provides both the information and the inspiration for change,” said HEI President Dr. Elena Craft. “Air pollution has enormous health implications. We know that improving air quality and global public health is practical and achievable.” Air Pollution and Climate Change PM2.5 air pollution comes from the burning of fossil fuels and biomass in sectors such as transportation, residential homes, coal-burning power plants, industrial activities, and wildfires. These emissions impact people’s health and contribute to the greenhouse gases that are warming the planet. The most vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by both climate hazards and polluted air.

    In 2021, long-term exposure to ozone contributed to an estimated 489,518 deaths globally, including 14,000 ozone-related COPD deaths in the United States, higher than in other high-income countries.

    As the world continues to warm from the effects of climate change, areas with high levels of NO2 can expect higher ozone levels, bringing even greater health effects.

    For the first time, this year’s report includes exposure levels and related health effects of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), including the impact of NO2 exposures on the development of childhood asthma.

    Traffic exhaust is a major source of NO2, which means densely populated urban areas, particularly in high-income countries, often see the highest levels of NO2 exposure and health impacts.

    “This new report offers a stark reminder of the significant impacts air pollution has on human health, with far too much of the burden borne by young children, older populations, and low- and middle-income countries,” said Dr. Pallavi Pant, HEI’s Head of Global Health who oversaw the SoGA report release.

    “This points sharply at an opportunity for cities and countries to consider air quality and air pollution as high-risk factors when developing health policies and other noncommunicable disease prevention and control programs.”

    Children’s Health
    Some of the greatest health impacts of air pollution are seen in children. Children are uniquely vulnerable to air pollution and the damage from air pollution can start in the womb with health effects that can last a lifetime.

    For example, children inhale more air per kilogram of body weight and absorb more pollutants relative to adults while their lungs, bodies, and brains are still developing.

    Exposure to air pollution in young children is linked to pneumonia, responsible for 1 in 5 child deaths globally, and asthma, the most common chronic respiratory disease in older children. The inequities linked to the impact of air pollution on child health are striking.

    The air pollution-linked death rate in children under the age of five in East, West, Central, and Southern Africa is 100 times higher than their counterparts in high-income countries.

    “Despite progress in maternal and child health, every day almost 2000 children under five years die because of health impacts linked to air pollution,” said UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden.

    “Our inaction is having profound effects on the next generation, with lifelong health and well-being impacts. The global urgency is undeniable. Governments and businesses must consider these estimates and locally available data and use it to inform meaningful, child-focused action to reduce air pollution and protect children’s health.”

    Progress is Being Made

    The SoGA report provides good news as well. Since 2000, the death rate linked to children under five has dropped by 53 percent, due largely to efforts aimed at expanding access to clean energy for cooking, as well as improvements in access to healthcare, nutrition, and better awareness about the harms associated with exposure to household air pollution.

    Many countries, particularly those experiencing the highest levels of air pollution, are finally tackling the problem head-on. Air quality actions in regions like Africa, Latin America, and Asia, such as installing air pollution monitoring networks, implementing stricter air quality policies, or offsetting traffic-related air pollution by moving to hybrid or electric vehicles, are all having measurable impacts on pollution and improving public health.

    While progress is being measured, more can be done to stop air pollution from continuing to outrank other health risks as one of the biggest threats to millions of lives.

  • Sole Kenyan Supermarket to be Awarded Prestigious Superbrands Certification

    Naivas Supermarket proudly announces its recognition as the sole Kenyan supermarket to receive the esteemed Superbrands Certification. This prestigious honor highlights Naivas’ exceptional brand reputation and consumer trust, solidifying its status as a leader in the retail industry.

    The Superbrands Certification is awarded to brands with outstanding quality, reliability, and distinction within their respective industries.

    The certification process involves rigorous evaluation by leading market research firms such as Nielsen, Synovate, BDRC, and TNS. Qualified brands, like Naivas, receive the Superbrands Award Seal, which can be prominently displayed on advertising, marketing materials, websites, packaging, and other brand assets.

    Research indicates that the Superbrands Award Seal significantly influences consumer behavior, with studies showing that consumers are over 70% more likely to purchase products or services displaying the seal. This underscores the value and impact of the Superbrands Certification.

    Peter Mukuha, Chief of Operations at Naivas, expressed gratitude for the recognition and reiterated the supermarket’s commitment to delivering a world-class shopping experience. “We are honored to receive the Superbrands Certification, which reflects our dedication to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service. This esteemed recognition further motivates us to continue innovating and exceeding the expectations of our valued customers,” Mukuha stated.

    Naivas Supermarket has distinguished itself in the retail industry through its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Naivas has built a strong reputation among Kenyan consumers by consistently delivering value through innovation and quality.

    The supermarket offers a wide range of products, including fresh offerings, and boasts convenient locations, all of which contribute to its reputation for excellence.

    As a homegrown Kenyan brand, Naivas has successfully brought a global shopping experience to the country while staying true to its values. The supermarket’s dedication to serving every customer with unmistakable Kenyan hospitality has earned it one of the greatest global honors a brand can achieve.

    With the Superbrands Certification, Naivas Supermarket continues to set the standard in the retail industry, reinforcing its position as a trusted and beloved brand among Kenyan consumers.

  • Naivas graduate trainee programme 1st graduation

     

    Recruiting and training the best people is core to Naivas’ mission to provide Kenyans with a world-class shopping experience. For this reason,, the business has been running a graduate trainee program since 2023.

    The programme is aimed at upskilling fresh graduates with competencies in various business functions within retail. The GT
    programme is an intense 9-month period for fresh graduates, where they are taken through various parts of the retail business.

    Retail contributes 9% to Kenya’s GDP, making it an important industry. Developing the next generation of retail leaders is therefore critical to ensuring the sector’s continued growth. As the leading supermarket chain in Kenya, Naivas takes its role in this development seriously. From a career perspective, the retail industry has, in many instances, been looked at as a fallback plan, rather than a first choice.

    As Naivas has developed its business through innovation, such as the Foodmarket concept, the supermarket career option has become more attractive. Naivas is now looked at as an employer of choice, especially given the wide array of expertise required in fields such as finance, marketing, supply chain, IT and others.

    “Naivas wants to attract and retain the best talent in the country. Beyond this, we want to ensure that we develop career paths for our employees, and it is for this reason that we set out to create the Naivas Retail Academy, with the graduate trainee (GT) program being one of its pillars. We are therefore pleased to be celebrating the first graduation in this program, with 35 trainees becoming Naivas employees today. However, this is only the beginning, and we expect to expand this programme, including onboarding more learning institutions,” remarked Andreas von Paleske Naivas, Chief of Strategy.

    “A key measure of success for me is how we continue to transform the industry, and core to this is having the right people. For Naivas, a homegrown Kenyan brand, developing the next generation of leaders is an important step forward. This program is also a testament to our commitment to ensuring that the business will outlive all its founders,” said David Kimani

  • Brussels air returns to Kenya after a nine-year absence

    Brussels air returns to Kenya after a nine-year absence

    (L-R) Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO, Brussels Airlines and KTB Board Member David Tanki during the reception of Brussels Air. Looking on is KAA Chairman, Hon. Caleb Kositanyi.
    (L-R) Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO, of Brussels Airlines, and KTB Board Member David Tanki during the reception of Brussels Air. Looking on is KAA Chairman, Hon. Caleb Kositanyi.

    Brussels Airlines, Belgium’s flag carrier and the largest airline in Belgium, has resumed flights into Nairobi, Kenya, after a nine-year hiatus.

    The airline, a member of the Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance, touched down at the Kenyatta International Airport on Monday night with 288 travelers, enhancing connectivity between Kenya and Belgium. This marked the first time the airline landed in Kenya after having served the Nairobi route between 2002 and 2015.

    Speaking during the reception of the airline, David Tanki, who represented the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Board of Directors, said that the resumption of flights to Nairobi by Air Brussels was a positive development for tourism as Kenya aims to become a year-round destination known for its diverse and sustainable tourism offerings. He added that the resumption shows that Belgian and European travelers still have an appetite for Kenya as a destination.

    “The year-round service we shall now receive from Airlines Brussels is a significant development for the destination that will boost arrivals throughout all the seasons. This comes as we continue to see interest from other airlines from Europe and other continents in Kenya. We are pleased to see this airline come back to Kenya after a long absence, and we hope that it will inspire more people to be inspired by the beauty of magical Kenya,” said Tanki.

    Mr. Tanki also exuded optimism about the future growth of the sector, noting that travelers from the larger European continent will play a big role in the full turn-around of the sector.

    “Europe is a key source market for Kenya’s tourism, ranking second with a 29% market share and contributing 572,352 arrivals last year. In 2023, the number of arrivals from Belgium reached 12,960, up from 9,981 in 2022, indicating a growing recognition of Kenya as a desirable destination within Belgian tourism. The entry of Brussels Airlines is particularly timely, as we expect to increase Belgian arrivals into Kenya and further strengthen our numbers,” he said.

    The resumption of Air Brussels flights to Nairobi will now bring the number of airlines’ destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa to 18. Kenya is the second largest market by frequency, with 5 weekly flights by Lufthansa, 6 flights by Euro Wings discovering the coast, and now 6 flights into Nairobi by Air Brussels. The service will boost passenger transfers for the diverse Belgian travel sector, which includes charter services, business travel and MICE specialists, online travel agencies, and retail travel agents.

    Brussels Airlines Chief Executive Officer Dorothea von Boxberg says, “We see a very high interest in our home market, Belgium, to explore Kenya. Our first flights to Nairobi are full. Nairobi is a vibrant city and the perfect gateway for an unforgettable trip to Kenya. The other way around we offer connections to Europe and beyond via Brussels to let Kenyans explore the world, study, or grow their businesses.”. She said.

    Ms. Von Boxberg added that the airline was working on ways to have more flights going based on the increased demand for business and leisure travel, among others, as well as a positive market reaction.

    According to data from Statbel, the third quarter of 2023 saw 6.92 million trips by Belgians abroad, marking an increase of 3.8%, compared to the same period in 2022. However, international travel numbers have yet to reach the peak of 2019, when 7.15 million trips were recorded during the summer. The preference for overseas travel remains high, with 64% of Belgians likely to travel abroad for leisure in the next 12 months. Cost and affordability are crucial factors for 34% of Belgians when planning international trips.

    The travel preferences of Belgian travelers include eco-friendly travel experiences, priority for sustainable and responsible tourism practices, value for authenticity, environmental consciousness, and a sense of community engagement, among others.

  • Kenya Sees Drop in Tobacco Use, But New Challenges Emerge

    By OMBOKI MONAYO

    As Kenyans weigh in on the 2024/25 Finance Bill, the National Taxpayers Association (NTA) is urging the government to raise taxes on tobacco products. The advocacy group argues that this will not only generate additional revenue but also discourage tobacco use, a major public health concern linked to thousands of deaths annually in Kenya.


    Consumption of cigarettes and related health complications including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease and hypertension has been found to kill at least an average of 9,000 Kenyans every year.


    According to John Thomi of the NTA, higher taxes protect the health pf Kenyans by making the products more expensive.
    ‘When tax is increased, the affordability of tobacco products decreases and even consumer choices are constrained because tobacco is a luxury or recreational product,” says Mr Thomi.


    Research carried out in Europe shows that a 10% increase in cigarette prices can lead to a 4-6% decrease in demand, particularly among low- and middle-income smokers. Data from Kenya itself shows a promising decline in tobacco use from 12% in 2014 to 9% in 2022, which the NTA partly attributes to previous tax hikes.


    The current tax structure sees filtered cigarettes taxed at Kes4,067 per 1,000 cigarettes (mille), with the NTA proposing an increase to Kes4,100. Similarly, taxes on unfiltered cigarettes would rise from Kes2,926 to Kes4,100 per mille. Mr Thomi emphasizes that higher taxes make tobacco products less affordable, effectively reducing consumer choice for these “luxury or recreational” goods.


    John Muchangi, a veteran health and science journalist, highlights the addictive nature of tobacco products, suggesting that pricing them out of reach remains the most effective way to control consumption. While supporting the increase in taxation, he dismisses arguments from the tobacco industry that high taxes will only encourage smuggling, stating that tackling smuggling is a separate enforcement issue.


    “Addiction transforms tobacco into a must-have product. Pricing it out of reach remains the most effective way to reduce and control its consumption,” he says. “Eliminating the flow of illicit tobacco products into the country is a law enforcement challenge that the government should squarely tackle,” adds the editor.


    Kenya’s journey towards tobacco control has not been smooth. The country ratified the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2005, but the implementation of tobacco control regulations faced legal battles, eventually being enacted in 2014. These regulations require graphic health warnings on packaging, designated smoking areas, and public health campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking.


    The FCTC explicitly prohibits tobacco industry involvement in tobacco control policymaking. However, there have been instances where the industry has lobbied and influenced key decision-makers, potentially weakening these policies. This was evident in 2004 when the tobacco industry attempted to dilute a proposed Tobacco Control Bill by renaming it and seeking influence on the tobacco control committee. Thankfully, public pressure exposed these efforts, leading to the passage of a comprehensive Tobacco Control Act in 2007.


    The NTA is concerned that the government’s proposed tax increases may not be enough. They argue that the industry can absorb small price hikes as overhead costs or by transferring them to other products. It proposes annual tax hikes of 10-15% to account for population growth and prevent the industry from comfortably mitigating the impact of the increases.


    A new challenge has emerged in the form of non-combustible tobacco products like vapes and flavored pouches, targeted towards young people. Speaking during a May 28, 2024 press briefing, Ms Mary Muthoni, who is the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, acknowledged this growing concern and revealed that plans were underway to raise awareness about the dangers of these products alongside traditional cigarettes during World No Tobacco Day.


    “The rise of attractively packaged novel nicotine products like vapes and flavored pouches is attracting young people despite lacking evidence of being harmless alternatives. The Ministry of Health plans to use World No Tobacco Day to raise awareness of these dangers alongside traditional cigarettes,” said Ms Muthoni..

    NTA however feels that more can be done, beyond the glitzy and high-powered public service announcement on tobacco’s threat to human health. It is criticizing the “extremely low taxes” on these new products, with liquid nicotine taxed at a mere Kes70 per mille compared to the price of Kes1,500 per vape pen refill. They propose raising taxes on these products to Kes5-10 per pouch and including them in the new eco tax to account for their environmental impact.


    Mr Thomi concludes by emphasizing the urgency of action. He is warning that these “new generation products” can be a gateway to even more dangerous substances and urges swift measures to protect young Kenyans from addiction.
    “The success of our combined efforts as health advocates and public health experts to reduce tobacco use hinges on a multi-pronged approach that combines effective taxation with public health awareness campaigns to create a generation free from the dangers of tobacco use,” he asserts.

  • “Nyakera Advocates for Agricultural Reform and Economic Focus in High-Level Meetings”

    “Nyakera Advocates for Agricultural Reform and Economic Focus in High-Level Meetings”

    As the government embarks on a series of initiatives to improve the lives of Kenyans, the Chairman of KEMSA, Irungu Nyakera, met with KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga to discuss the tax implications on health products, technologies, and agriculture.

    Nyakera stated, “We agreed to follow up with specific proposals for consideration and action.” He emphasized the importance of agriculture, describing it as the backbone of Kenya’s economy: “The agricultural sector is the backbone of our economy, contributing approximately 33 percent of Kenya’s GDP and employing more than 40% of the total population and 70% of the rural population. Let’s protect our farmers and help them build sustainable livelihoods.”

    Nyakera also extended his discussions to Eliud N. Kinuthia, Chairperson of the National Police Service Commission, to address regional and national issues concerning farmers.

    Furthermore, Nyakera expressed gratitude towards the President for his recent announcement to write off KES 6 billion in coffee farmer debts and increase the coffee cherry fund by KES 2 billion. “This move will greatly support the ongoing coffee reforms, aimed at expanding cultivation acreage and enhancing farmer revenues. It will also help revitalize the coffee farming sector, which has been in decline for years.”

    Nyakera urged politicians from Mt. Kenya to focus on development agendas rather than political disputes. “I beseech politicians from Mt. Kenya to concentrate on agendas that directly impact the livelihoods of their constituents, rather than engaging in daily bickering and politicking. For now, let’s review the Finance Bill and its implications for the common man and bring relevant debates to the house.”