By Lucy Anaya

Kenya Tobacco control Alliance coordinator Mr. Fred Odhiambo has been attending training workshops on tobacco. The most recent one was held at the Eldoret Wagon Hotel, Rift
Valley Province and organized by the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, supported by Institute for Legislative Affairs (ILA) and the Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance (KETCA).  At least 60 government officers attended the workshop whose theme was ‘programme for the training of enforcement officers on the tobacco Control Act 2007.’ The officers would work closely with public health officers in helping control tobacco menace in the country.

Other topics of discussion were the monetary issue, rationale for tobacco control, legal provisions, and prosecution among others. The mayor of Eldoret Municipality raised the issue of constructing buildings designated for smokers. The KETCA coordinator Fred Odhiambo challenged him citing that tobacco posed a great danger to the public. He observed that the building can be preserved for other municipal operations such as rent out to grocery owners.
Several media houses featured at the event led by Standard Newspaper and their sister TV station KTN, Bibilia Husema, The Mirror newspaper and Mirror FM, Sayari FM, Radio Mambo, Kass and Fish FM.
The chief guest the Warren District Commissioner (DC) missed to attend but sent a representative, his deputy District Officer (DO) number one.
Other Government personalities that graced the occasion were: the Rift Valley Provincial Public Health officer Isaac Ruto, The Mayor of Eldoret, Town clerk, councilors, Information officers from three districts, customs, administration and regular police, public health officers, nurses and The North Rift Women Organization. The workshop deliberated on the move to ban smoking in Eldoret town which became effective on 1st August.
Other trainings have taken place in Embu, Nyeri, Mombasa, Nairobi and Machakos. According to the coordinator, the turnout has been impressive apart from Mombasa where it was less. He appreciates that the  training of policemen, custom officers among others has helped fight tobacco menace. “The enforcement officers are really trying to curb tobacco smoking in public places. The public is also enlightened about dangers of tobacco. We hope  to extend such a programme to Wajir and other towns in the  country,” he adds

Community Training at Den of Hope

As part of her social activities, the Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance (KETCA) and her member organizations been organizing community outreach programmes where they train the public about effects of tobacco use. Recently, the team was at Den of Hope, church based organization and KETCA member where they presented information kit to the public and explained about The Tobacco control Act. KETCA lobbied successfully in and outside Parliament for Tobacco Control Bill to pass into law way back in 2007.  
The Institute of Legislative Affairs (ILA) programme officer Vincent Kimosop talked about ILA’s mission vision and objective that is to eradicate tobacco growing, manufacturing and use in the country. Tobacco he explained, raises  health concern such as Cardiovascular diseases, failure in respiratory system, risk of TB infection, Cancers, Kidney failure, impotence,  Reproductive system,  Congenital , malformations & under weight babies. Other risks involve environmental degradation, child labour, and other socio-economic vices.
KETCA’S Victor Matete gave an overview of the organisation achievements saying it has ensured coordinated efforts in tobacco control in Kenya. KETCA brings on board all the stakeholders not affiliated to the tobacco industry and not involved in the promotion of the growth or use of tobacco, in implementing international and national legal instruments, policies and activities on tobacco control.
He further explained that the organization managed her activities through incorporating professionals like doctors, lawyers, educationalists. Nurses, farmers in tobacco growing districts particularly in Migori, journalists, Parliamentarians, religious leaders and other opinion leaders
 KETCA through National Tobacco Free Initiative Committee of the Ministry of Health, has managed to bring Government Ministries of Education, Health, Justice, Agriculture to collaborate with research organizations like Kenya Medical Research Centre (KEMRI), Kenya Medical Association, Kenya Cardiac Society, National Agency for Campaign Against Drug Abuse (Nacada), World Health Organization (WHO), universities such as Egerton and Nairobi- College of Health Sciences. All are fighting tobacco use in the country.


Anti-tobacco news captures Kenya’s Airwaves

The Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance (KETCA) is jointly working with two community radio (FM) stations known as Pamoja based in the country’s capital Nairobi and the other one Mwanedu which covers the Coastal Province. The two stations reach quite a large audience for instance Pamoja is ranked among the top stations which attracts 55% of listeners. It targets women, the youth and children, nearly all ages.
Among the programmes that have been highlighted are: Tobacco growing and famine, tobacco use and health and general effects of tobacco in the society. Interviews have been conducted among the smokers and non smokers who all agree that tobacco pose danger on environment and health.  
According to Pamoja Managing Director (MD) Adan Hussein, tobacco programme is the most listened to.
He says the programme which is aired four times a week in the evening , has drawn audience  from the larger  slums of Kibera, Embakasi and the leafy suburbs of Laving tone.
“Just incase we delay to air the programme, we receive phone calls. Our audiences have to find out why. This gives us the assurance that they appreciate what  we do,” adds he.
Hussein goes a head to explain that his mission is to educate the public and see that they are enlightened about the dangers of tobacco. He also reveals that he has plans of networking with other FM stations, to ensure news on tobacco is delivered to the public. He exudes confidence, “ We have greater plans for this initiative. We would wish to work with KETCA for many years, to eradicate tobacco use in this country. Our aim is to ensure the public understand the side effects of tobacco.”