Under the Tobacco Industry Interference Digital Watch Initiative (TIIDWI), we have been closely monitoring industry-sponsored narratives and exposing their deceptive tactics. TIIDWI is dedicated to tracking, analyzing, and countering pro-tobacco industry messaging, particularly in the digital space. Through Google Alerts and real-time media monitoring, we flag articles that push industry-backed arguments and advocate for policies that weaken tobacco control. At the same time, we amplify research and reports that provide valuable insights into tobacco control efforts.

One of the latest developments we are tracking is the formation of the Novel Tobacco Products Association (NTPA) in Kenya. This newly formed lobby group, composed of manufacturers and importers of shisha, nicotine pouches, and other novel tobacco products, is now challenging Kenya’s shisha ban and pushing for the regulation (rather than restriction) of emerging tobacco products. The group is positioning itself as a “stakeholder” in the tobacco control space, a move that aligns with the global industry trend of rebranding itself as a partner in public health through harm reduction narratives. They are also pushing for self-regulation, when we know very well that regulation is the prerogative of the government.

The Real Agenda Behind NTPA

Kenya’s tobacco control landscape has seen significant victories, including the ban on shisha, graphic health warnings on cigarette packs, and taxation measures aimed at reducing tobacco consumption. However, the industry is now using a different playbook—reframing the conversation around “novel products” as harm reduction tools while actively working to weaken policies that regulate them.

This is a clear case of industry interference and a warning sign for policymakers and public health advocates. If NTPA succeeds in its campaign, it could reverse hard-won gains in tobacco control and increase exposure to tobacco harm, particularly among young people. The formation of this group is not just about challenging the shisha ban; it’s about securing a foothold in policy discussions to manipulate future tobacco control regulations.

At TIIDWI, we are exposing these industry maneuvers and mobilizing advocates to push back. By tracking these narratives, we ensure that the public, policymakers, and global health bodies are aware of the tobacco industry’s latest strategies. We must not allow NTPA to dictate Kenya’s tobacco control agenda.

Call to Action

Stay Informed – Read and share insights on industry interference to ensure awareness.
Engage Policymakers – Advocate for stronger tobacco control measures and reject industry influence in policy discussions.
Expose Industry Tactics – Join us in monitoring and countering pro-tobacco narratives.

We are watching. We are exposing. We are fighting back. 

Join us in the fight against tobacco industry interference!

Read more about this development here: https://www.msn.com/en-xl/africa/kenya/kenyan-novel-tobacco-firms-unite-challenge-shisha-ban-in-regulatory-push/ar-AA1BdPfj

#WCTC2025 #TIMRA2025 #TobaccoIndustryInterference #BeatNCDs