International Institute For Legislative Affairs

As the year draws to a close, the Board and Secretariat of the International Institute for Legislative Affairs (IILA) want to take a moment to say a big thank you to all our partners. Your support and collaboration have been the driving force behind an incredible year of progress. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together and grateful to have you on this journey with us. Our offices will take a holiday break from December 19, 2024, to January 7, 2025, to recharge for another impactful year ahead. Wishing you a joyful Christmas and a New Year filled with success, health, and happiness. Here’s to achieving even greater milestones in 2025! 👏

Excessive consumption of sugar, salt, and fats significantly contributes to obesity and chronic conditions, fueling the rise of non-communicable diseases. Implementing mandatory front-of-pack warning labels holds transformative potential to safeguard public health in Kenya. Read more: https://shorturl.at/RZbFq #FoodPolicyKE

Tobacco and nicotine related diseases cost Kenya millions annually in healthcare expenses. Higher taxes on tobacco and nicotine products reduce consumption, saving lives and easing the healthcare burden. Further, the additional revenue generated strengthens health systems and funds prevention programs, creating a sustainable path to better public health outcomes. Kenya has been a leader in #TobaccoControl across Africa and it is time to reinforce our commitment by advocating for higher taxes across all tobacco and nicotine categories. We urge policymakers - The National Treasury & Economic Planning, Ministry of Health, Kenya and the National Assembly of Kenya - to prioritize these taxes to safeguard the well-being of Kenyans. #TobaccoTaxSavesLivesKE

This Human Rights Day advocates from around the world share powerful testimonies highlighting the fundamental role of human rights in advancing public health. From addressing inequities in food systems to championing tobacco control measures, a rights-based approach promotes dignity, equity and justice while driving transformative public health policies. For the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, protecting the right to health means adopting effective, science-based policies to create healthier, fairer societies for all: Dejusticia, International Institute For Legislative Affairs and the Healthy Living Alliance | HEALA

No alcohol is safe - whether it’s beer, wine, or spirits. Ethanol in all alcoholic beverages breaks down into harmful compounds that cause seven types of cancer, including breast and bowel cancer. Alcohol is also major contributor to liver disease, mental health conditions, road accidents, violence, and crime, straining our communities and healthcare systems. Yet, preferential tax treatment for beer has made it cheaper and more accessible to children and youth, glamorizing it as a “safer” option. This is far from the truth - alcohol in all forms is harmful. Evidence shows that raising taxes on all alcoholic beverages can effectively reduce consumption, save lives and protect communities. We urgently call on the National Treasury, Ministry of Health, Kenya, National Assembly, and Ministry of Interior to take bold action: 1. Increase taxes on all alcoholic beverages to discourage consumption. 2. Strengthen alcohol regulation policies to minimize harm. 3. Protect our youth and vulnerable populations by making alcohol less accessible. The time to act is now. Safeguard the right to health, safety, and life for all Kenyans #AlcoholTaxKE #AlcoholAwareness

Our Policy Development Officer - Fabian Oriri, is attending this inaugural Global Litigation Symposium 👏

International Institute For Legislative Affairs (IILA) and Students' Campaign Against Drugs (SCAD) were honored to host a policy roundtable yesterday in Kisumu, a county making great progress in addressing alcohol harms. The event brought together policymakers, researchers, CSOs, health advocates, media and youth representatives to explore actionable solutions aligned with the WHO’s SAFER package, including regulating marketing, restricting availability, and leveraging taxation to reduce harm. The discussions focused on strengthening local interventions and shaping a more effective national alcohol control framework. A key highlight was the inclusion of individuals facing or recovering from alcohol addiction, offering firsthand insights into their challenges. Their voices enriched the discussions, ensuring policies and interventions are inclusive and centered on those most affected. #AlcoholControl #AlcoholAwareness #AlcoholTaxKE

International Institute For Legislative Affairs was honored to join the Ministry of Health, Kenya and the Tobacco Control Board for a multi-county forum in Machakos focused on drug and substance abuse control. The event brought together diverse stakeholders, including county commissioners, public health officers, judiciary representatives, religious leaders, CSOs, and the media, with key Tobacco Control partners like Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance (KETCA) and YIPAR Youth In Power, Africa Rise (Kenya) also present. A key highlight was a public baraza on Day 3, where our Program Manager, Ken Marau, facilitated a lively discussion on drug abuse, tobacco control, and mental health sensitization. The session provided valuable community feedback, emphasizing the need for strengthened efforts to address tobacco, nicotine, alcohol and other drugs, which continue to burden our nation. #TobaccoControl #AlcoholControl #MentalHealth

Currently underway in Lagos, Nigeria is a cross-country knowledge exchange on a research project focused on tobacco and nicotine use among adolescents aged 10-17. Hosted by Development Gateway: An IREX Venture, the forum brings together experts to share insights and strategies for addressing youth addiction. Our Policy Development Officer, Fabian Oriri, is representing International Institute For Legislative Affairs at the forum, contributing valuable perspectives to shape actionable solutions. #TobaccoControl

We are thrilled to welcome Ken Marau to IILA! We look forward to the amazing contributions he will bring to the team 👏