BAT Kenya Calls for Greater Cooperation to Promote Smoke-Free Products
The American Tobacco (BAT) Kenya company has called for promoting the application of smoke-free products in public health strategies through strengthened cooperation and scientific dialogue. The company’s general manager, Kristin Achella, said that although traditional tobacco control remains important, adult smokers who are unwilling to quit should have access to lower-risk alternatives such as vapes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches.
BAT Kenya Highlights Role of Smoke-Free Products on World Vape Day and World No Tobacco Day
On the occasion of World Vape Day and World No Tobacco Day, BAT Kenya called for stronger cooperation among governments, researchers and industry stakeholders to accelerate the development of a smoke-free world.
The company said that smoke-free products, including vapes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches, are being adopted in many countries as part of broader tobacco harm reduction strategies aimed at reducing cigarette consumption among adult smokers.
Sweden and Other Countries Show Impact of Tobacco Harm Reduction
Countries such as Sweden, New Zealand and the United Kingdom have reduced smoking rates by introducing and regulating smoke-free alternatives. BAT Kenya pointed to Sweden’s long-term experience as an example of how tobacco harm reduction policies can contribute to lower smoking prevalence.
Over the past 30 years, Sweden has seen many smokers switch to smokeless alternatives such as snus and other nicotine products. The company said these products have played a role in helping reduce cigarette use while offering adult consumers choices.
Sweden Records the Lowest Smoking Rate in the European Union
Although Sweden’s overall tobacco consumption per capita is similar to the European Union average, its smoking rate has fallen to around 5.3%, making it the lowest among EU countries.
BAT Kenya said Sweden’s experience demonstrates the potential impact of providing adult smokers with access to alternative nicotine products under appropriate regulatory frameworks.
BAT Kenya Introduces Smoke-Free Products to Meet Changing Consumer Needs
According to Business Today on May 30, British American Tobacco (BAT) Kenya has introduced smoke-free products into the Kenyan market, including vaping products, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches.
Crispin Achella, managing director of BAT Kenya, said the move reflects the company’s efforts to respond to changing consumer preferences and support adult smokers in making informed choices.
He added that smoke-free products contain significantly fewer harmful substances compared with traditional cigarette smoke, making them a potential option for adults who are unable or unwilling to quit smoking.
BAT Kenya Calls for Scientific Dialogue and Transparent Regulation
BAT Kenya emphasized that traditional tobacco control measures remain essential, but solving the challenges associated with smoking requires open discussion, scientific research and cooperation between different stakeholders.
The company said it aims to maintain high product standards through transparent regulatory cooperation while ensuring that young people are protected from accessing nicotine products.
Illegal Tobacco Trade Remains a Challenge in Kenya
BAT Kenya also highlighted concerns about the growth of illegal tobacco products in the country. The company noted that approximately 37% of cigarettes consumed in Kenya are estimated to come from illegal sources.
The company warned that a similar situation should be prevented from occurring in the emerging smoke-free product market, calling for stronger enforcement against illicit trade.
BAT Kenya Says Tobacco Harm Reduction Can Support a Smoke-Free Future
Crispin Achella said that scientific evidence supporting tobacco harm reduction continues to grow and that adopting a balanced approach could help Kenya accelerate progress toward a smoke-free future.
He stressed that cooperation between policymakers, health experts and industry stakeholders will be essential to developing effective strategies that protect public health while providing adult smokers with safer alternatives.
