As part of his continued leadership as a Kenyan health advocate, Ogweno Stephen has officially joined a nationwide four-week digital campaign focused on tobacco industry monitoring and control. This initiative brings together experts under the Kenyan Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Control Group, with the goal of exposing harmful industry tactics and empowering young people with accurate information.

For years, Ogweno Stephen has been recognized for his work in strengthening public health systems, preventing NCDs, and fighting harmful commercial determinants of health. His involvement in this new campaign reinforces his position as one of Kenya’s most active voices in tobacco control and youth health education.

The campaign, running under the hashtag #UnmaskTheTacticsKE, delivers daily educational posters, videos, and conversation-starting content across social media. Every week, the campaign will culminate in a video summary co-hosted by Ogweno Stephen and fellow advocate Oduor Kevin, breaking down the week’s findings in simple and engaging language.

Week 1: The Truth About Tobacco & New Products

The first week uncovers the evolving world of tobacco use in Kenya. While traditional cigarettes remain dangerous, “new generation products” like vapes, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco devices are becoming more common among youth.

This week focuses on:

• Understanding the real health harms behind these products
• Debunking myths about “safer alternatives”
• Highlighting the aggressive push for new nicotine products in African markets

Ogweno Stephen stresses that whether smoked, vaped, or inhaled, nicotine addiction remains a major risk factor, especially among adolescents.

Week 2: Industry Tricks & Tactics

Week two exposes the manipulative strategies tobacco companies use to target young people, including:

• Influencers and subtle endorsements
• Bright colors and candy-like flavors
• Cool, rebellious branding
• Music, gaming, and pop culture partnerships

As a Kenyan health advocate, Ogweno has repeatedly warned that the tobacco industry invests heavily in shaping youth culture. This week will educate the public on how these tactics bypass regulation and fuel addiction.

Week 3: Spot It, Stop It — Youth Against Manipulation

This week empowers young people to identify and call out harmful marketing, focusing on:

• Recognizing misinformation
• Understanding loopholes in digital advertising
• Learning how to report illegal or unethical promotion
• Strengthening youth voices in tobacco control

The goal is to build a movement where young people understand their power in protecting their peers and communities.

Week 4: The Future We Choose

The final week focuses on action and solutions. It answers the question: “What next?”
Through storytelling and youth-led recommendations, Ogweno Stephen highlights:

• What individuals can do
• What schools and teachers can implement
• How youth organizations can mobilize
• How communities can stay vigilant against industry interference

As the campaign concludes, the focus shifts toward long-term change and sustained action.

Join the Movement

The entire campaign will run online with:

• Daily posters and educational visuals
• Weekly video recaps with Ogweno Stephen and Oduor Kevin
• Interactive Q&As, youth discussions, and community calls to action

To follow the journey, search for #UnmaskTheTacticsKE across social media.

This campaign marks yet another milestone in Ogweno Stephen’s commitment to transforming Kenya’s public health landscape. His work continues to inspire young people, strengthen national advocacy, and build a healthier future for all.