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Kenya: Youth Advocate in Kenya’s Tobacco Control Drive

Published

5 years ago

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Nairobi — Much earlier in her life, Martha Kombe, now 24, watched someone close to her fight lung cancer and lose. Since then she has made a vow to help people avoid the agony that comes with such a painful disease.

The pledge has greatly influenced Ms Kombe’s path. She singles out Kenya’s recent ratification of the protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products as a key moment. Although not directly involved in her country’s latest achievement, her Den of Hope Youth Group has steadfastly campaigned against tobacco use. “I am grateful to be associated with stakeholders in this outstanding milestone,” she says.

In a recent YouTube video, the youth and tobacco control advocate, wearing a baseball cap and maroon-rimmed glasses outlines in 50 seconds why people should quit smoking.

Her delivery is clear and deliberate: “You might be wondering, ‘why are we advocating for tobacco control?'” she asks before explaining the tobacco’s effect on lungs, also pointing out the additional risks smoking poses given the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Den of Hope Youth Group is closely involved in antitobacco campaigns targeting young people. “They are the most vulnerable and, sadly, the targets of the tobacco industries,” she explains.

The group uses a variety of methods to spread the message, from social media campaigns, participating in public forums and talks, signing open letters to policy makers, and peer-to-peer counselling.

“One way I believe we can never go wrong is by meaningfully involving the youth through innovative channels,” says MS Kombe. “We know our own problems. If we are involved and shown direction then we can find our solutions… “