Why Uganda supplies 95 percent of Kenya’s illicit cigarettes

Kenya’s booming illicit cigarette market is largely fed by Uganda, which accounts for most contraband tobacco products entering the country. This has deprived the government of Sh47 billion in tax revenue over the five years.

The study by Kantar Insights East Africa, a market research firm, shows that 95 percent of illicit cigarettes entering Kenya originate in Uganda. The remaining five percent comes from South Sudan and Somalia.