(NAIROBI) – South Sudan and Kenya are among 20 countries that have failed to reach the global best practice standards for tobacco taxation, according to a new report by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The report warns that these missed targets represent a major setback in efforts to reduce tobacco consumption, save lives and boost healthcare funding.
The WHO recommends that total tobacco taxes, including excise duties, value added tax and other levies should make up at least 75 percent of the retail price of cigarettes. This level of taxation is seen as one of the most effective strategies to deter smoking and reduce tobacco related health costs.
However, the report shows that South Sudan and Kenya currently have tobacco tax shares ranging between 70 and 74 percent of the retail price, just below the threshold.
South Sudan’s failure to reach this standard is concerning, especially as the country faces a growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, heart disease and respiratory conditions many of which are caused or worsened by tobacco use.
Health experts argue that implementing stronger tax measures could help reduce tobacco consumption while generating vital revenue for the country’s health system.
| Country | Tax Share on Cigarette Price | WHO Target |
|---|---|---|
| South Sudan | 70%–74% | 75% or higher |
| Kenya | 70%–74% | 75% or higher |
| Belarus | 76.9% | Achieved |
| Indonesia | ≥75% | Achieved |
| Côte d’Ivoire | ≥75% | Achieved |
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General, emphasised the importance of taxation as a public health tool.
“Taxing tobacco is one of the most cost effective and impactful interventions governments can implement. It works, it saves lives, and it pays for itself,” he said.
The WHO notes that a 10 percent price increase on tobacco products can lead to a 5 percent reduction in consumption in low and middle income countries. Among young people, who are more sensitive to price changes, the impact can be even greater.
South Sudan, though a signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, has yet to fully adopt taxation levels strong enough to meet global recommendations. In the absence of a firm tax regime, cigarettes remain relatively affordable, especially for young people and low income groups.
Kenya, which has made more progress in setting up a tobacco tax structure, collected an estimated KES 20 billion in excise tax revenue from tobacco products in 2023. This is equivalent to USD 155 million or SSP 721.9 billion at current exchange rates ($1 = KES 129, $1 = SSP 4,650). However, the country’s Ministry of Health also reported losing about KES 15 billion annually due to tobacco related illnesses and productivity losses, equal to USD 116.3 million or SSP 540.8 billion.
| Tobacco Economics (Kenya) | Amount (KES) | In USD | In SSP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excise tax revenue (2023) | KES 20 billion | $155 million | SSP 721.9 billion |
| Tobacco related losses (annually) | KES 15 billion | $116.3 million | SSP 540.8 billion |
By comparison, countries like Belarus have successfully raised their tobacco tax levels from 56.6 percent in 2022 to 76.9 percent in 2024, joining other best practice countries like Indonesia and Palau. These reforms show how fiscal policy can be aligned with public health goals to reduce disease while supporting national budgets.
Despite global momentum, 1.2 billion people now live in countries with best practice tax policies, no city in South Sudan or Kenya has yet made it into this group. WHO officials say governments in East Africa must do more to strengthen their taxation frameworks if they hope to reduce tobacco harm and meet long-term development and health targets.
For South Sudan, where healthcare funding remains a major challenge and public awareness on NCDs is still growing, stronger taxation could be a powerful and low cost intervention.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says tougher action on tobacco is not only necessary but overdue as the country seeks pathways toward economic recovery and improved health outcomes.
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