Elizabeth Mwai
8 August 2007
Nairobi — At Least one million primary school children are cigarette smokers.
A national opinion poll on tobacco control conducted by the Ministry of Health shows that 13 per cent of primary school children abuse tobacco.
Speaking at the launch of the poll results at a city hotel, the Director of Medical Services, Dr James Nyikal, said smoking remained a major health and social concern in the country.
"There is dire need of a legal framework to be put in place because the scientific evidence has always been clear that tobacco kills, it is ruining the health of our people and is bad for our economy," said Nyikal.
He observed that last year alone, Kenyans smoked over seven billion cigarettes worth Sh21 billion, out of which the Government received only Sh4.7 billion in tax revenues.
Tobacco smoking accounts for an estimated five million deaths globally every year, and is expected to grow to 10 million by 2030.
According to the poll, the rate at which girls are taking up the habit is almost the same as that of boys.
This makes tobacco and HIV/Aids the two fastest growing causes of death.
Nyikal said the poll showed an overwhelming support for smoke-free public places and workplaces, strong and visible warnings on tobacco products and a comprehensive advertising ban covering all tobacco products.
The poll indicates that many tobacco users desire to stop the habit, with 52 per cent attesting that they had tried to quit smoking unsuccessfully.
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