Harm reduction experts in Kenya have expressed concerns over certain sections of the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill of 2024, calling for amendments before it is passed by the National Assembly. The experts, who spoke during a public participation exercise in Meru County, said that while the bill's intentions are noble, some proposals require refinement to effectively safeguard public health. They emphasized the need for changes to ensure that the bill conforms to present realities.
One of the key concerns raised by the experts is the lack of a definition of tobacco control in the bill. They argue that this definition, which is included in the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), is essential for effective guidance. The experts also pointed out that the original Tobacco Control Act of 2007 does not include this definition, which has been omitted in the amendment bill.
The experts also raised concerns over the lack of differentiation between combustible tobacco products, such as cigarettes, and non-combustible products like nicotine vapes and pouches. They argued that failing to distinguish between these products risks denying smokers who want to quit a viable alternative. The experts emphasized that scientific evidence supports the need for product differentiation, citing the varying risks associated with these products.
Another issue raised by the experts is the proposal to ban flavors in tobacco products. They argued that this move would deny smokers who want to quit an avenue to do so, as flavored nicotine products can serve as a route for smokers to transition to less risky alternatives. The experts emphasized that flavors are critical for smokers who want to quit and that the government should ensure that there are enough implementations of current laws to protect young children and youth.
Dr. Michael Kariuki, Secretary General of the Harm Reduction Society of Kenya, highlighted the need for amendments to the bill. He pointed out that the definition of tobacco control has been omitted from the original Tobacco Control Act of 2007 and that the bill should include this definition as per the WHO FCTC. Kariuki also emphasized the need for product differentiation and the importance of flavors for smokers who want to quit.
The Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, sponsored by nominated senator Catherine Mumma, seeks to create a regulatory framework for new and emerging tobacco products like vapes and nicotine pouches. The bill has been passed in the Senate and is currently under consideration in the National Assembly Committee on Health. Public participation on the bill is ongoing, with sessions scheduled in Nanyuki and Kisumu.
The experts' concerns come as Kenya seeks to strengthen its regulatory framework for tobacco products. The country's efforts to regulate tobacco products are in line with international best practices, as outlined in the WHO FCTC. The outcome of the public participation exercise and the subsequent consideration of the bill by the National Assembly will be crucial in determining the future of tobacco control in Kenya.
Key points
- Experts call for the inclusion of a definition of tobacco control in the bill, as per the WHO FCTC.
- The experts also advocate for product differentiation between combustible and non-combustible tobacco products.
- The proposed ban on flavors in tobacco products has been criticized for potentially denying smokers who want to quit a viable alternative.
