The Rising Appeal of Vaping Among Kenyan Women

A worrying trend is emerging in Kenya's informal settlements as tobacco and nicotine consumption rises among young women, prompting calls for stricter regulations and targeted interventions. 

While cigarette smoking among men has declined, data reveals an increase in tobacco use among women aged 15-49, rising from 0.4% in 2014 to 0.7% in 2022, according to the Tobacco Control Initiative under the Ministry of Health. This uptick, attributed to early exposure during adolescence, is further complicated by the growing popularity of vaping, which is largely unregulated in the country.

The ease with which young women can access flavoured e-cigarettes, often perceived as sophisticated and stylish, has made vaping a particularly insidious issue. Alsha, a fourth-year university student, describes vaping as an appealing alternative to traditional cigarettes. Vapes can start at 1000 Shillings. The affordability and lack of a pungent odour make them attractive to young women seeking social acceptance.

The case of Mamito, a young woman from Mathare, illustrates the devastating consequences of early exposure to nicotine. At 15, peer pressure led her to adopt cigarette smoking as a means of fitting in. Her dependency eventually led to her dropping out of school and a short-lived marriage. Her smoking alienated her husband and forced her to self reflect. It was only after years of addiction and a failed marriage that Mamito managed to quit smoking and rebuild her life.

"Early exposure in school settings" is the main cause of nicotine use among young women, according to Rev. Wangai Gachoka, Mombasa County Coordinator at the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma is advocating for tighter tobacco laws to combat the rising trend. Her proposed Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to impose stricter controls on the production, sale, advertisement, and use of nicotine-based products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. 

The bill is scheduled for its second reading and aims to address the current regulatory vacuum that has allowed vaping to proliferate unchecked. Mumma says that the absence of regulation makes it difficult to track usage trends. The current situation highlights the urgent need for action, according to health experts and policymakers. The addictive nature of nicotine, coupled with the lack of regulation surrounding vaping, has created a perfect storm for potential widespread dependency among young women.