Kenya’s Mombasa Governor proposes sugar import tax to combat rising diabetes cases in Kenya 

KENYA – Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, Governor of Mombasa, has proposed the introduction of a targeted tax on imported sugar as part of a broader strategy to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Kenya. 

Speaking at the Health Integration Summit 2026, Nassir said there is a need to align public health policy with fiscal measures to tackle the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related illnesses. 

The governor, who also chairs the Council of Governors Committee on Health, warned that counties are experiencing a surge in cases of diabetes, hypertension and other chronic conditions linked to excessive sugar consumption and changing dietary habits. 

He noted that the rising number of diabetes cases is placing significant pressure on county health systems, which are responsible for managing long-term treatments, including dialysis, cardiovascular care and other complications. 

“If we continue on the current trajectory, non-communicable diseases will become one of the biggest financial pressures on our health system,” Nassir said. 

To address the issue, the governor proposed introducing a targeted tax on imported sugar, stating that the measure would serve both public health and fiscal objectives. 

According to Nassir, such a tax could help reduce sugar consumption while generating additional revenue to support healthcare services. 

He further suggested that the funds generated should be ring-fenced and channelled through the Social Health Authority (SHA) to provide a dedicated funding stream for counties. 

“Counties are where the real burden of these diseases is managed,” Nassir said. 

“Our hospitals treat the complications and our clinics diagnose and manage patients. It is therefore logical that part of the revenue generated from products contributing to these illnesses should support care at the county level.” 

Nassir added that similar fiscal measures have been implemented in other countries to reduce harmful consumption patterns while generating resources to finance healthcare systems. 

Earlier this year, World Health Organization (WHO) identified Kenya among countries that are not imposing sufficient taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks to discourage consumption. 

In a report, the WHO stated that governments should “significantly strengthen” taxes on such products, noting that they are becoming more affordable while contributing to rising healthcare costs. 

The organisation highlighted that sugary drinks and alcohol are key contributors to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancers and injuries. 

According to the report, only 14% of countries adjust such taxes in line with inflation, allowing health-harming products to become progressively cheaper over time. 

The WHO also noted that while at least 116 countries globally impose taxes on sugary drinks, many of these measures remain limited in effectiveness. 

The report found that the average tax rate on sugary drinks stands at around 9%, while the average tax on a 330ml can of soda is approximately 2.4%. 

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