The survey, conducted by the Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA), found that half of Kenyan consumers who use nicotine pouches and vapes said they rely on the products to help them quit smoking, while 47 per cent said they use them because they consider them a less harmful alternative to cigarettes.
The findings come as Parliament considers the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, which proposes tighter restrictions on smoke-free nicotine products, including a ban on most flavours.
Joseph Magero, chairman of CASA, said the findings should prompt policymakers to consider the potential impact of the proposed restrictions on smokers trying to quit.
“Our findings show that the proposed legislation could make it harder for smokers to quit combustible cigarettes. Instead of prioritising ideology, lawmakers must listen to smokers who are desperate to quit their deadly habit,” Magero said.
The survey also highlighted the role of flavours in helping some users move away from cigarettes. Half of respondents said flavours helped them stay off cigarettes entirely, while 43 per cent said they helped reduce the number of cigarettes they smoked.
Only 14 per cent of respondents identified tobacco flavour as their preferred option, with most favouring menthol, fruit or other non-tobacco flavours.
When asked how they would respond if flavours were banned, 32 per cent said they would return to smoking cigarettes, while 18 per cent said they would smoke more. A further 33 per cent said they would seek flavoured nicotine products through alternative sources.
The survey also found strong support for greater public participation in the legislative process. Eighty-eight per cent of respondents said the Government should conduct public consultations on the Tobacco Control Bill, while a similar proportion felt that the concerns of smokers and nicotine-product users were being ignored.
In addition, 89 per cent said policymakers should prioritise helping smokers quit rather than banning flavoured nicotine pouches.
Magero said the findings demonstrated that some smokers were turning to alternative nicotine products as part of efforts to reduce or stop cigarette consumption.
“Thousands of Kenyan smokers are using safer nicotine products because they want to leave cigarettes behind. Half of respondents say these products are helping them quit smoking, while many others are using them to smoke less. Parliament should build on that progress, not put it at risk,” he said.
He said flavours appeared to play an important role in helping some consumers transition away from cigarettes.
“When half of respondents tell us flavours help them stay off cigarettes entirely, policymakers should pay attention. These products are competing with cigarettes. Making them less appealing could make cigarettes more appealing again,” Magero said.
He added that the potential return to smoking, increased cigarette consumption and sourcing of flavoured products through alternative channels should be considered before the proposed restrictions are enacted.
“If our goal is to reduce smoking and save lives, legislation should help smokers move away from cigarettes, not make that journey more difficult,” he said.
Magero urged Parliament and the Government to ensure consumers are consulted before the Bill is finalised.
“Close to nine out of 10 respondents want the Government to listen before changing the law. These are the people living with the consequences of smoking and trying to quit. Their voices deserve to be part of this debate,” he said.
