IILA, in collaboration with the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), appeared before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning to present a set of evidence-based tax policy recommendations aimed at reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Kenya.

The joint submission emphasized the urgent need to increase excise taxes on tobacco products, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) all major contributors to the rise of NCDs such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. These proposed fiscal measures are grounded in both health and economic rationale and align with global best practices.

Key Recommendations Included:

Tobacco & Nicotine Products

• Increase the tax on liquid nicotine for e-cigarettes from Ksh 100/ml to Ksh 200/ml

• Raise the tax on e-cigarette devices from 40% to 60% of the retail price

• Reinstate the inflation adjustment on excise taxes for all tobacco products to maintain their real value over time

         Alcohol

• Raise beer tax to Ksh 33 per centilitre of pure alcohol

• Strengthen excise taxes on wine and spirits

• Reintroduce the inflation adjustment removed in the Finance Act 2023

         Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs)

• Increase SSB tax by 20%

• Expand the definition of taxable beverages to include all sugary drinks

• Reinstate an inflation-linked excise adjustment

The proposals reflect a dual focus: reducing the consumption of harmful products while ensuring Kenya’s excise revenues grow sustainably. The presentation was part of IILA and APHRC’s ongoing commitment to promoting health-responsive fiscal policies that protect lives, prevent disease, and fund essential services