The National Cancer Institute of Kenya has expressed support for the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to regulate electronic nicotine delivery systems, including e-cigarettes and related products. The institute's CEO, Dr. Elias Melly, emphasized the need for comprehensive legislation to address the growing public health challenge posed by emerging nicotine products, particularly among young people. The bill, sponsored by Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma, has moved to the National Assembly after consideration by the Senate.
The institute is calling for broader definitions of nicotine products to ensure comprehensive protection against future regulatory gaps. Dr. Melly warned that limiting regulation to traditional tobacco products could leave gaps as manufacturers and sellers introduce new alternatives. The institute proposed restrictions on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship to cover digital platforms, influencer marketing, product placement, and event sponsorship, citing the significant role of advertising in tobacco initiation among adolescents and young adults.
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya is also proposing restrictions on flavors that could make nicotine products more attractive to younger consumers, as well as limits on sales within 500 meters of schools and learning institutions. The institute emphasized that children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to nicotine addiction. Other proposals include mandatory health warnings, plain packaging, and pictorial warnings covering at least 80 percent of tobacco product packaging.
For online purchases, the institute wants mandatory age verification to prevent the sale of nicotine products to minors. It is also calling for stronger penalties and enforcement against the sale of tobacco products to minors, illegal advertising, smuggling, and illicit trade. The institute believes that stronger deterrence is required for effective compliance with the proposed regulations.
The institute has proposed the creation of a Tobacco and Nicotine Harm Reduction Fund, with transparent management and annual reporting to Parliament. It suggests that at least 30 percent of revenue from tobacco excise taxes, nicotine-product excise taxes, licensing fees, penalties, and fines should fund public-health interventions, including cancer prevention, screening, cessation services, and research.
The Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which was read for the first time on March 31, has been referred to the Departmental Committee on Health. The committee, chaired by Seme MP James Nyikal, is scheduled to hold public hearings in five counties from September 24 to 26 to collect views from members of the public and other stakeholders. The bill seeks to amend the Tobacco Control Act to regulate electronic nicotine delivery systems.
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya's proposals aim to strengthen Kenya's tobacco control framework, which has not undergone significant review since its enactment in 2007. The institute's support for the bill is part of its efforts to address the growing public health challenge posed by emerging nicotine products. The bill's consideration comes as Kenya seeks to address the impact of nicotine products on public health, particularly among young people.
Key points
- The National Cancer Institute of Kenya is calling for at least 30 percent of revenue collected from tobacco and nicotine products to be channeled into cancer prevention, screening, cessation services, and research.
