Why Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir wants your cup of tea taxed
If your tea is so sweet it could double as dessert, you might want to start weaning off the sugar spoon.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, chair of the Council of Governors’ Health Committee, has proposed a tax on imported sugar to help curb the rising number of Kenyans with diabetes and other lifestyle-related diseases.
Speaking at the Health Integration Summit 2026 in Shanzu, attended by Health CS Aden Duale, the governor said counties are increasingly seeing illnesses linked to sugar-heavy diets, including that daily cup of sweet chai, sodas, and pastries.
“Revenue from the sugar tax should be ring-fenced and channelled through the Social Health Authority (SHA) to help counties prevent, treat, and manage these diseases,” Governor Nassir said.
CS Duale added that the government will ensure funds are properly managed, while safeguarding public health.
Diabetes in Kenya: Sweet, but risky
WHO data and Kenyan health experts show sugar isn’t just adding flavour--it’s fuelling a national health concern:
About 3.1pc of adults in Kenya have diabetes, with millions more undiagnosed.
Many Kenyans only discover the disease when complications appear. Over 88% have never had a blood sugar test.
Experts warn that without preventive action, the number of adults with diabetes could nearly double by 2050.
Health authorities in Kenya have highlighted several drivers of this rise:
High sugar intake and diets rich in processed foods
Sedentary lifestyles and rising obesity
Older age and pre-existing conditions, like high blood pressure
Limited screening, which delays diagnosis and treatment
“Counties are feeling the impact of lifestyle illnesses. This tax can help improve local health services,” Governor Nassir said.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga notes that the Ministry of Health is ramping up community education and screening programs to detect diabetes early and improve patient outcomes.
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