Health Ministry Denies Alleged Partnership with British American Tobacco

The Ministry of Health has firmly denied allegations that it is collaborating with British American Tobacco (BAT) to educate the public about the risks of tobacco use. 

Following public backlash, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni responded swiftly, reaffirming the government’s strong anti-tobacco stance and pledging that efforts to fight tobacco use will continue. 

Muthoni dismissed the claims as a deliberate smear campaign aimed at undermining the Ministry’s work in combating non-communicable diseases like cancer, which are closely linked to tobacco consumption. 

She was reacting to reports from an activist group alleging she had endorsed a partnership with BAT, a claim based on a letter she said was fake. 

“I immediately recognized the letter being circulated online as fake and flagged it,” Muthoni told The Standard. “The Ministry also issued an official statement confirming the document was fabricated.” 

She expressed concern over what she called a coordinated attack by people misusing tobacco control laws to damage her reputation. 

“There’s a group deliberately pushing false narratives to destroy my image,” she said. 

Muthoni reiterated her unwavering commitment to tobacco control, noting that enforcement will not be slowed down. 

“We will continue the crackdown on tobacco. I’ve long advocated for a tobacco-free Kenya, even overseeing the shutdown of some companies, which hasn’t pleased certain players in the industry.” 

She emphasized that fake letters and unfounded allegations are a distraction from the real issue, eliminating illegal tobacco products from the market. 

“The public wants to see action, not controversy,” she said. “We’ll stay focused on our mission.” 

She added that the Ministry would only respond to such accusations if they were officially submitted through the appropriate channels. 

Over the weekend, Muthoni led a public awareness campaign in Kirinyaga County addressing the harmful effects of tobacco and alcohol, as part of a broader crackdown on the tobacco industry’s practices. 

As head of preventive and promotive health services, she reiterated that public health initiatives will persist until there’s a noticeable decline in disease rates linked to tobacco use. 

“We are committed to protecting public health and will not allow profit-driven interests to harm our communities and future generations,” she stated. 

She also emphasized the Ministry’s determination to enforce laws regulating tobacco and nicotine product sales, manufacturing, and advertising. 

Plans are underway to amend the Tobacco Control Act to further restrict nicotine products. The goal is to make tobacco less accessible, curb industry influence, and ensure transparent policymaking. 

Currently, Kenya’s tobacco tax remains low—cigarettes with filters are taxed at Sh2,630 per mille and plain cigarettes at Sh1,893, accounting for 35% of the price. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends excise taxes make up 70% of the retail price to effectively fight diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. 

WHO estimates that tobacco taxation could help prevent up to 9,000 deaths annually in Kenya. 

Since 2023, efforts to review the Tobacco Control Act have gained momentum, supported by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Interior, and local administrators. 

Meanwhile, advocacy groups have been pushing for tougher regulations, including banning products like nicotine pouches (e.g., Velo), mandating graphic warning labels on tobacco packaging, and prohibiting promotion and sales. 

These groups also want transparency in managing the Solatium Fund, which compensates tobacco-related health damages. 

In a strong message to industry players, Muthoni urged them to consider public welfare above profit. 

“Before making money off these products, think of the lives you’re affecting, people dying of cancer, children leaving school, or mothers losing pregnancies,” she warned. “Think before you sell to Kenyans.”