The Stowelink Foundation is proud to join a nationwide four-week digital campaign focused on tobacco industry monitoring and control in Kenya. The campaign, coordinated by the Kenyan Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Control Group, brings together public health experts, youth advocates, and civil society organizations committed to exposing harmful industry tactics and empowering young people with accurate, evidence-based information.

As part of Stowelink’s long-standing commitment to preventing NCDs and combating harmful commercial determinants of health, our team—led by Founder Ogweno Stephen—is actively contributing to this national effort. This campaign aligns strongly with our mission to protect youth health, strengthen public awareness, and advocate for healthier environments.

Running under the hashtag #UnmaskTheTacticsKE, the campaign disseminates daily educational posters, videos, and youth-friendly content across social media. Each week culminates in a video summary co-hosted by Stowelink’s Ogweno Stephen and fellow advocate Oduor Kevin, breaking down the week’s findings in simple, engaging language.

Week 1: The Truth About Tobacco & New Nicotine Products

The first week sheds light on traditional tobacco products as well as the rapid rise of vapes, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco devices among Kenyan youth. Key messages include:

• Health harms associated with all nicotine products
• Debunking “safer alternative” myths
• Exposing how new products are aggressively pushed into African markets

Stowelink emphasizes that nicotine addiction—whether smoked or vaped—poses a major risk to adolescent health.

Week 2: Industry Tricks & Targeted Marketing

This week uncovers manipulative tactics used to hook young people, including:

• Influencer partnerships
• Colorful, flavor-focused branding
• Youth-driven cultural marketing strategies
  Stowelink continues to warn that these tactics often bypass regulation and fuel long-term addiction.

Week 3: Spot It, Stop It — Youth Against Manipulation

This week equips young people to identify, question, and report harmful marketing. Themes include:

• Recognizing digital misinformation
• Understanding advertising loopholes
• Empowering youth leadership in tobacco control
  The goal is to build a nationwide youth movement against tobacco industry interference.

Week 4: The Future We Choose

The final week focuses on solutions and youth-led action:

• What individuals and families can do
• What schools and teachers can implement
• How youth groups and communities can stay vigilant

Stowelink’s contribution emphasizes sustainable change and long-term advocacy.

Join the Movement

The campaign includes:

• Daily awareness posters
• Weekly video breakdowns
• Interactive Q&As and community discussions

Follow the journey via #UnmaskTheTacticsKE across social media platforms.

This campaign represents another major step in Stowelink Foundation’s work to protect young people, strengthen national NCD prevention efforts, and counter harmful commercial influences. We remain committed to building a healthier, more informed generation for Kenya and the region.