GENERATION AT RISK: Findings and recommendations from the tobacco and nicotine use among adolescents DaYTA survey 2024

Adolescents in Kenya are increasingly becoming vulnerable to tobacco and nicotine product use. Research has shown that exposure to these products early in life affects the developing brain and could lead to long-term addiction, cognitive impairments, and psychological disorders, as well as burden various sectors of the country including economic and health sectors. There is a strong need for up-to-date evidence to address key gaps and enhance existing knowledge.

This brief presents evidence and policy recommendations based on the 2024 Kenya Data on Youth and Tobacco in Africa (DaYTA) survey. The survey investigated and highlighted the state of tobacco and nicotine use among adolescents aged 10 to 17 years in Kenya. This nationally representative survey sampled 6,435 adolescents, reflecting Kenya’s adolescent population.