CASA Calls for Science-Based Approach to Reduce Smoking in Kenya

As the world marks World No Tobacco Day 2026, Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA) Chairman Joseph Magero is urging policymakers to adopt science-driven tobacco harm reduction policies that support adult smokers seeking safer alternatives to cigarettes.

In an opinion piece released ahead of the global health awareness day, Magero argues that while quitting nicotine entirely remains the ideal outcome, millions of smokers struggle with addiction and require practical, evidence-based alternatives to combustible tobacco products.

According to Magero, smoke-free nicotine products such as vapes and nicotine pouches significantly reduce exposure to harmful chemicals associated with cigarette smoke because they eliminate the burning of tobacco — the primary source of tobacco-related diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease and respiratory illness.

“Smoke-free nicotine products expose users to far fewer toxic substances. That distinction matters,” he stated.

Magero pointed to countries such as Sweden, the United Kingdom and New Zealand as examples of successful tobacco harm reduction strategies. Sweden, in particular, is now approaching smoke-free status and has recorded the lowest tobacco-related mortality rates in Europe after making safer nicotine alternatives more accessible and affordable to adults.

However, he warned that proposed flavour bans on nicotine products in Kenya could reverse progress by discouraging adult smokers from switching away from cigarettes.

“Studies consistently show that adults who use non-tobacco flavours are more likely to quit smoking than those limited to tobacco flavour alone,” Magero noted, citing research including a Yale University study involving more than 17,000 participants.

While acknowledging concerns about youth access to nicotine products, Magero emphasized that the solution lies in strict regulation rather than outright bans. He called for stronger age verification measures, retailer licensing, restrictions on youth-targeted marketing and harsher penalties for irresponsible sellers.

He further cautioned that blanket bans could fuel illicit markets and potentially push former smokers back to cigarettes.

“This World No Tobacco Day, Kenya should pursue policies grounded in real-world outcomes,” he said. “The objective should be fewer smokers, fewer smoking-related deaths and fewer young people taking up nicotine.”

Magero concluded that balanced regulation can simultaneously protect young people while helping adult smokers transition to safer alternatives.