In Kenya, there has been a rapid increase in the prevalence of smoking among the younger
generation. Every effort needs to be made to stop the uptake of smoking among this category.
This study focused on male secondary school students enrolled in Kangemi High school. The
study explored the students’ level of awareness in relation to tobacco products and risks
associated to their use on health, their attitudes towards smoking as well as their smoking habits.
The study adopted a cross-sectional research design, and used a multi- stage sampling technique
to select 156 respondents. The study used mixed methods of data collection and collected both
quantitative and qualitative data from the respondents.
This study established that a majority of students had a low level of knowledge regarding the
health threats caused by smoking and positive attitudes towards smoking were found among the
students. It was found that the prevalence of smoking among the students was 10.9%, mainly
attributed to a student being; between 16-18 years, a Christian, a resident of Kangemi ward, and
having extra sources of income. Family members and peers were found to influence students to
take up smoking and also to expose them to ETS.
This study concludes that smoking behavior is still present among male students. The study
therefore recommends the need for concerted efforts from government, teachers and parents to
educate and protect students from easy access to cigarettes and exposure to tobacco smoke.