Rachel Kitonyo

Introducing TETSiM: What if we could predict the impact of tax policies on health and revenue? Meet the Tobacco Excise Tax Simulation Model—evidence for smarter decisions. #TobaccoTaxSavesLivesKE @MOH_Kenya @KETCA254 @ParliamentKE @NAssemblyKE @Senate_KE @TreasuryKE @WHO

Tobacco costs Kenya up to $756 million annually in healthcare and lost productivity. This is money we could spend on schools and hospitals. #TobaccoTaxSavesLivesKE

Hon. James Nyikal, Chairperson of the National Assembly Health Committee, highlights the urgent need to strengthen tobacco taxation in Kenya. With current tax rates at 40%, compared to the WHO-recommended 70%, the gap continues to allow the tobacco industry to profit at the expense of public health. Strengthening tobacco tax policies is key to protecting lives and advancing tobacco control. #TobaccoTaxSavesLivesKE #TobaccoControl #TCDI

Tobacco taxation is not just policy, it is public health protection. I will be tuning in at BHB 96.7 FM #TobaccoTaxSavesLife

Tobacco kills Kenyans and costs the economy billions in healthcare and lost productivity every year. This is not just a health crisis; it’s a financial drain on families and the nation. Protect our future.Demand policies free from industry interference. #ProtectHealthNotProfitsKE

During the session, Hon. James Nyikal, Chairperson of the Health Committee in the National Assembly, emphasized that Kenya currently meets only 40% of the recommended tobacco tax benchmark, far below the 70% standard recommended by the World Health Organization.

The discussion highlighted existing policy gaps, the influence of the tobacco industry, and the urgent need to align Kenya’s tax measures with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations to reduce tobacco consumption, protect public health, and safeguard future generations.

Kenya's own government admits it: The tobacco industry uses "front groups and affiliated organizations" to push its agenda. But in 2025, a Ministry of Health reportedly invited BAT Kenya to co-run a health campaign,a direct violation of our laws #ProtectHealthNotProfitsKE*_

The Kenya Tobacco and Nicotine Tax Coalition (KTNTC) convenes a sensitization meeting with Members of the National Assembly to strengthen understanding of the role of tobacco taxation as a public health and revenue tool.

Tobacco industry interference happens when tobacco companies try to influence laws, policies, and public health decisions to protect their profits. When profits come first, people pay the price. Public health must come first. #ProtectHealthNotProfitsKE

2 major gaps in Kenya’s TC conflict-of-interest rules: ❌ Weak enforcement ❌ No ban on tobacco industry campaign funding Meanwhile, tobacco kills 9,418 Kenyans yearly and costs KES 45.45B—far more than the KES 11.5B it generates in taxes #ProtectHealthNotProfitsKE

Today, policymakers, public health advocates, and stakeholders have convened for a sensitisation meeting with Members of the National Assembly on tobacco taxation. The meeting highlights how stronger tax policies can reduce tobacco use and advance tobacco control in Kenya. #TobaccoTaxSavesLivesKE #TobaccoControl #TCDI

In June 2025, the MOH reportedly invited BAT Kenya to support a health campaign, a direct violation of WHO FCTC Article 5.3. Let this sink in: A tobacco company helping to run a health campaign? End collaborations with the tobacco industry NOW. _*#ProtectHealthNotProfitsKE*_

Formula 1 shouldn’t be a vehicle for promoting harmful and addictive tobacco products to kids.   As the sport works to expand its young fanbase, tobacco companies are sponsoring F1 cars and drivers to market nicotine pouches to millions of young people around the world.   Tell Formula 1: Protect kids and end all tobacco sponsorships. tobaccofreekids.org/get-involved/f1

The Kenya Tobacco and Nicotine Tax Coalition (KTNTC) convenes a sensitization meeting with Members of the National Assembly to strengthen understanding of the role of tobacco taxation as a public health and revenue tool.

Kenya’s election laws currently have a dangerous loophole: they do not explicitly ban campaign funding from tobacco companies. This is despite allegations that officials have received financial support from BAT Kenya This must change.Close the loophole. #ProtectHealthNotProfitsKE

Members of the National Assembly are currently participating in a sensitization meeting on tobacco taxation, convened by the Kenya Tobacco and Nicotine Tax Coalition (KTNTC).

The Kenya Tobacco and Nicotine Tax Coalition (KTNTC) convenes a sensitization meeting with Members of the National Assembly to strengthen understanding of the role of tobacco taxation as a public health and revenue tool. #TobaccoTaxSavesLivesKE #TobaccoControl

The 2025 findings reveal how economic pressure can be used to influence public health decisions. When health warnings are weakened, the public is left less informed . Tobacco industry interference undermines accountability and puts lives at risk. *#ProtectHealthNotProfitsKE*_