My Journey Through the Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Advocacy Course

I am thrilled to share that I have successfully completed the Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Advocacy course offered by the Africa Centre for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research (ATIM). This was a transformative learning experience that deepened my understanding of tobacco control policies, industry interference, taxation, litigation, and the broader economics of tobacco.Continue reading “My Journey Through the Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Advocacy Course”

Unmasking BAT’s Decades-Long War Against Tobacco Control in Kenya

During the launch of an Investigative Report on BATK Interference with Tobacco Control in Kenya, by International Institute for Legislative Affair and partners, I asked the authors why the focus was on BAT Kenya and not other tobacco companies. Their response was clear—BATK has been at the forefront of challenging regulations, suing the government multiple timesContinue reading “Unmasking BAT’s Decades-Long War Against Tobacco Control in Kenya”

Unmasking the Alcohol Industry’s Targeting of Women: A Public Health Crisis

Yesterday, I had the honor of attending the launch of The Changing Landscape of Women and Alcohol Harm report by Movendi International. As we approach International Women’s Day, this report reveals a deeply troubling trend—Big Alcohol is targeting women under the guise of empowerment, fueling a growing but often overlooked public health crisis. Alcohol’s GenderedContinue reading “Unmasking the Alcohol Industry’s Targeting of Women: A Public Health Crisis”

Series One: The Power of Fitness in Preventing NCDs

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are responsible for nearly three-quarters of global deaths, with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer on the rise due to unhealthy lifestyles. However, one of the most effective yet underutilized strategies in preventing NCDs is physical exercise. To shed light on this, we launched Series One of the Fitness &Continue reading “Series One: The Power of Fitness in Preventing NCDs”

Graphic Health Warnings – A Bold Step in Tobacco Control in Kenya

Tobacco and the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Burden Tobacco use is one of the leading risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, and diabetes (World Health Organization, 2023). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths globally, responsible for overContinue reading “Graphic Health Warnings – A Bold Step in Tobacco Control in Kenya”

KIGALI CAR-FREE DAY: A MODEL FOR NCD PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION

The 4th Global NCD Alliance Forum was a spectacular experience. As one of the over 650 delegates, I was impressed by the level of organization showcased by the Global NCD Alliance and its partners. But it was not just the event that elevated the NCDs as a priority topic. It was the famed Kigali Car-FreeContinue reading “KIGALI CAR-FREE DAY: A MODEL FOR NCD PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION”

Unpacking B2B Marketing Strategies for Oral Nicotine: A Call for Vigilance

Tobacco Industry Interference Digital Watch Initiative (TIIDWI) monitor and expose tobacco industry tactics that shape public perception, influence policy, and drive market expansion. Through real-time tracking, we identify studies, reports, and media narratives that either promote industry interests or provide valuable insights into tobacco control. Today, we turn our attention to a recent study thatContinue reading “Unpacking B2B Marketing Strategies for Oral Nicotine: A Call for Vigilance”

A MOMENT OF GRATITUDE: RECOGNIZED AMONG THE TOP 100 KENYANS OF 2024

When I learned I had been named one of the Top 100 Kenyans of 2024,  I was stunned. The news came as a joyous surprise, catching me completely off guard. I remember reading through the list, not expecting to find my name, only to feel my heart skip a beat when I did. It wasContinue reading “A MOMENT OF GRATITUDE: RECOGNIZED AMONG THE TOP 100 KENYANS OF 2024”

EMPOWERING ADOLESCENTS FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE: REFLECTIONS FROM PLAN INTERNATIONAL’S ANNUAL MEETING

Recently, I had the privilege of participating in the Annual Reflection Meeting organized by Plan International Kenya, an inspiring gathering that brought together young people, parents, and healthcare providers to reflect on the achievements and lessons of the Young Health Program (YHP). The program targets adolescents aged 10–19, emphasizing the importance of teaching children aboutContinue reading “EMPOWERING ADOLESCENTS FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE: REFLECTIONS FROM PLAN INTERNATIONAL’S ANNUAL MEETING”

EMPOWERING AFRICA’S NEXT GENERATION: REFLECTIONS FROM JUDGING THE  YALI COHORT 59 DESIGN CHALLENGE

As an alumnus of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Cohort 34, I recently had the privilege of serving as a judge during the YALI Cohort 59 Design Challenge. This experience was both nostalgic and inspiring, as it reminded me of my own journey through the program and gave me a front-row seat to witnessContinue reading “EMPOWERING AFRICA’S NEXT GENERATION: REFLECTIONS FROM JUDGING THE  YALI COHORT 59 DESIGN CHALLENGE”