Kenya has been ranked relatively low in a new global assessment measuring how countries are supporting smokers to move away from traditional cigarettes towards less harmful alternatives.

The report, known as the Path to Smoke-Free study, evaluated 101 countries and placed Kenya at position 75, indicating that the country is still behind in enabling a smooth transition to smoke-free nicotine products such as vapes and nicotine pouches.

According to the findings, although Kenya has put in place regulations that allow the sale and control of alternative nicotine products, practical access remains a major challenge for many smokers.High prices and limited availability are cited as key barriers preventing wider use of these products.

This situation contrasts with countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, and Algeria, which were ranked higher due to better affordability and easier access to alternatives considered less harmful than combustible tobacco.

The report also highlights the public health burden of smoking in Kenya, noting that around 12,000 deaths occur annually due to smoking-related illnesses.While smoking rates have declined over the years, experts argue that progress is still too slow to significantly reduce the health impact.Health advocates and experts interviewed in the report stress the importance of making safer alternatives more accessible.Dr.

Kariuki Michael, Secretary General of the Harm Reduction Society of Kenya, warns that current tax policies may be making alternatives nearly as expensive as cigarettes, which reduces their effectiveness as quit-smoking tools.

Similarly, Anselm Maina from the Africa Consumer Advocacy Foundation emphasises the need for practical, affordable options to help smokers transition away from tobacco.

Overall, the report suggests that improving affordability and availability of smoke-free alternatives could help Kenya reduce smoking rates faster and lessen the burden of tobacco-related diseases across the country.