“Silent Crisis”: 12% of Kenyan University Students Use Tobacco as Annual Deaths Reach 12,000

The Ministry of Health has announced that twelve percent of university students in Kenya are current tobacco users.

The ministry publicized the tobacco use findings in a public advisory on the X platform that reported nicotine use among campus students now also included e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.

In the findings, the Ministry said that tobacco kills an estimated 12,000 Kenyans every year.

“Tobacco use is responsible for 12,000 deaths in Kenya annually. Things that start small can grow,” it said.

According to the data, 5.8% of university students currently use e-cigarettes while 4.6% use nicotine pouches.

Authorities Manufacturers market them as safer alternatives, but they can still hook users and fuel addiction.

“It can start with a flavor you like. It could become a habit you didn’t anticipate,” said the ministry’s campaign graphic.

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Alarming Rise in Tobacco and Nicotine Product use Among Young Kenyans

Overall, 2.3 million Kenyan adults and 244,000 adolescents use either tobacco or nicotine products, the ministry found.

Officials say the figures also pose health risks and economic burdens due to health issues that arise from tobacco use.

Public health experts attribute the rise among young people to aggressive marketing tactics, flavored products, and social media.

They said the Ministry, parents, lecturers and peers need to encourage students to discuss the issues surrounding the usage of the substances.

“Share this message with younger individuals so they can understand how nicotine products are designed to Hook their users from a very young age,” said the ministry.

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Ministry of Health’s Intensified Campaign against Tobacco and Nicotine Addiction

MoH stated tobacco is listed as a major cause of preventable death globally by the World Health Organization, and is responsible for various conditions such as cancer, heart disease and respiratory ailments.

The ministry said it will step up campaigns in universities and encourage students not to try nicotine products in a way that would lead them into addiction.

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Ministry of Health announced Monday and warned that tobacco kills an estimated 12,000 Kenyans every year. /PHOTO FB Duale
PHOTO/Duale/X