A section of traders in Kisumu, Kenya, has expressed opposition to a proposal to raise the minimum age for smoking to 21 years. The traders, who operate in the hospitality industry, argue that the move is impractical and its implementation unclear. They were speaking during a public participation exercise on the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill in Kisumu. The traders questioned how the law would be enforced, particularly in terms of verifying the age of customers.
The proposal to raise the minimum age limit for nicotine and tobacco consumers was first discussed at a stakeholders' engagement forum in Nairobi. The forum was hosted by the National Assembly Committee on Health, which is considering the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill. Committee Chairperson Dr. James Nyikal stated that there seemed to be concurrence among stakeholders on the issue, suggesting that it would simplify their work when considering submissions.
Dan Ouma, Chairperson of The Pubs, Entertainment and Restaurants Association of Kenya (PERAK) in Kisumu, challenged the practicality of the proposal. He argued that it was unclear how the law would be implemented, particularly in terms of verifying the age of customers. Ouma questioned whether customers would be required to produce ID cards before purchasing tobacco products, or if new IDs would need to be issued.
The traders also took issue with another proposal in the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to restrict the sale of tobacco and nicotine products to areas not within 100 meters of places with children. According to the traders, existing tobacco laws have already established smoking zones, which address this concern. They argued that the new proposal is unnecessary.
Furthermore, the traders faulted the Bill's proposal on business licensing, which would require tobacco traders to obtain specific licenses from counties. They argued that this would increase the cost of doing business, as they already pay for single business permits. The traders believe that this proposal would negatively impact their businesses.
The National Assembly Committee on Health has concluded public participation on the Bill in Kisumu and Nanyuki. The committee will now compile its report, which will include submissions from various stakeholders across the country. The report will inform the committee's recommendations on the Bill.
The Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill aims to strengthen regulations on tobacco and nicotine products in Kenya. The proposed changes have sparked debate among stakeholders, with some arguing that they will help reduce the prevalence of smoking-related health issues. Others, like the Kisumu traders, are concerned about the practical implications of the proposals.
Key points
- Traders in Kisumu oppose the proposal to raise the minimum smoking age to 21, citing impracticality and unclear implementation.
- The proposal to restrict sale of tobacco and nicotine products near places with children is also opposed by traders.
- Traders fault the Bill's business licensing proposal, saying it will increase the cost of doing business.
