Light Up Your Future, Not a Cigarette

It’s no secret that tobacco wreaks havoc on human health. When a smoker cheerfully assures you, “It’s just a puff,” you might laugh, considering how that “harmless” puff can lead to hacking coughs, yellowed teeth, and serious health issues. This year, at the Kenya National Theater, we took a stand against this sly killer during an event commemorating World No Tobacco Day, supported by the National Taxpayers Association (NTA).

Imagine a teenager named Jimmy. Jimmy thought it was cool to hang out behind the school toilet and blow smoke rings. Fast forward a few years, and Jimmy’s romance with tobacco has left him more out of breath than his grandmother during her evening walks. It’s stories like Jimmy’s that underscore the urgent need for stricter laws and policies to make tobacco products less affordable and less attractive, especially to our youth.

The Kenya National Theater event was more than just a gathering; it was a vibrant blend of education, activism, and creativity. Attendees enjoyed a poetry and spoken word competition, where the theme “Harmful New Generation Tobacco Products” was explored with heart-wrenching performances. One young poet painted a vivid picture of a life entangled with tobacco addiction, ending with a powerful plea: “Put out the cigarette, and light up your future instead.”

The NTA, in collaboration with the Adopt A School Foundation (AASF), has been actively raising awareness about the dangers of smoking and the emerging threat of vaping. This partnership focuses on engaging learning institutions and Youth NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) through posters, pamphlets, social media campaigns, and various events. Their mission? To promote a tobacco-free lifestyle and educate the younger generation on the perils of tobacco consumption.

As part of this initiative, the event also delved into the nitty-gritty of tobacco tax and control issues. Policymakers were urged to understand the crucial need for tobacco tax reforms. By increasing taxes on tobacco products, we can make these deadly items less accessible to young people, who often start their journey with the cheaper, more affordable options. It’s simple economics: the higher the price, the fewer the buyers.

The urgency of these measures can’t be overstated. New generation tobacco products like vapes are marketed as safer alternatives, but they pose significant risks, especially to children and teenagers. We need to act now to curb their appeal before another generation is ensnared in the nicotine trap.

In closing, let’s take a cue from the poets who moved us with their words at the Kenya National Theater. It’s time to put out the cigarettes, toss away the vapes, and light up a brighter, healthier future. For the sake of our children and the generations to come, let’s advocate for stronger tobacco laws and support the ongoing efforts of organizations like the NTA and AASF. Together, we can create a world where our youth choose books over butts, and their breath smells like mint, not nicotine.

So, next time someone tries to tell you it’s just a puff, remember Jimmy and the breathless future that awaits. Say no to tobacco, and say yes to a healthier, happier life. Join us in this fight against vaping and smoking among our children. It’s a call to action we can’t afford to ignore.