Business owners in Kisumu County have expressed concerns over the proposed Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, citing impracticalities and unclear enforcement mechanisms. The bill seeks to raise the legal smoking age from 18 to 21 years and introduce new licensing rules. Hospitality operators in Kisumu County voiced strong objections to the proposal during a public participation hearing on Saturday. They warned that the new age limit could be impractical for businesses without clear guidance on ID verification.
Dan Ouma, chair of the Pubs, Entertainment and Restaurants Association of Kenya (PERAK) in Kisumu, questioned how the new age limit would be enforced. He asked whether venue operators would need to check national identity cards for every sale or if a new identification system would be introduced. Ouma described the implementation details as "completely vague". He urged lawmakers to reconsider the bill and provide clear guidelines on enforcement.
Traders also rejected a separate clause that would restrict the sale of tobacco and nicotine products within 100 metres of locations frequented by children. They argued that existing laws already mandate enclosed smoking zones to protect minors. The hospitality sector opposed a proposal requiring county governments to issue a specific tobacco-trading licence, saying it would add a redundant permit on top of existing business licences and raise operating costs.
The Kisumu objections follow earlier stakeholder forums in Nairobi and Machakos, where the Committee on Health chair, Dr. James Nyikal, reported broad support from health agencies and civil-society groups for raising the age limit to 21 years. Health advocates have been pushing for stricter regulations to curb tobacco use. The committee's proposal aims to align with international best practices in tobacco control.
Committee to compile final report With public participation sessions concluding in Kisumu and Nanyuki, the National Assembly Committee on Health will now draft a final report that incorporates feedback from both health advocates and private-sector representatives. The committee will present its recommendations to Parliament after compiling the report. The report will include input from various stakeholders, including business owners and health experts.
The proposed Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill aims to regulate the sale and use of tobacco and nicotine products in Kenya. The bill's proponents argue that it will help reduce the prevalence of tobacco-related diseases. However, business owners in Kisumu County have expressed concerns about the potential impact on their operations. They have urged lawmakers to consider their concerns and find a balance between regulation and business viability.
The National Assembly Committee on Health will play a crucial role in shaping the final legislation. The committee's recommendations will be based on input from various stakeholders, including business owners, health experts, and civil-society groups. The committee's report will be presented to Parliament for consideration and approval.
Key points
- Business owners in Kisumu County warn that raising the legal smoking age to 21 years and new licensing rules lack clear enforcement mechanisms.
- The proposed Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill aims to regulate the sale and use of tobacco and nicotine products in Kenya.
- The National Assembly Committee on Health will compile a final report incorporating feedback from stakeholders before presenting its recommendations to Parliament.
