The National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Health recently concluded receiving public views on a legislative proposal aimed at strengthening tobacco control measures in Kenya. The committee, led by Chairperson Dr. James Nyikal and Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge, conducted public participation exercises in Kisumu and Laikipia counties. The proposed bill seeks to introduce new licensing requirements, regulate flavoured nicotine products, and restrict online advertising.
In Kisumu, various stakeholders attended the public participation exercise, expressing differing views on several clauses contained in the proposed legislation. Some stakeholders welcomed the proposed measures, while others raised concerns over the potential impact on their businesses and livelihoods. The committee heard concerns about the proposed ban on flavoured nicotine products, with some arguing that it could attract young people, while others saw it as discriminatory.
In Laikipia, members of the public and organised groups raised concerns over proposed new licences for dealers in new nicotine products and restrictions on online advertising. The Bar Owners Association and a group of young people opposed the proposed ban on flavoured nicotine products, arguing that it would affect their businesses and income. Mary Muthoni, a bar owner in Laikipia, stated that the proposal on nicotine flavours was discriminatory and that legislators should focus on empowering law enforcement agencies.
Other stakeholders, such as Danson Kamau, called for county governments to take responsibility for regulating nicotine products, arguing that the law should be under devolved functions. Young people who participated in the exercise also opposed the proposed restrictions on online marketing of nicotine products, citing concerns about the impact on their income. The Patron of Small Traders in Laikipia East opposed the proposals, arguing that the licensing requirements could increase the cost of doing business and amount to double taxation.
A representative of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) called for the proposed law to allow the agency to sit on the Advisory Board. However, some residents objected to the proposal, accusing NACADA officials of collecting bribes instead of enforcing existing regulations. Duncan Mathenge stated that the proposed legislation aimed to address gaps in the current tobacco control law, particularly following the emergence of new nicotine products.
Mathenge explained that the proposed measures were intended to address health concerns linked to nicotine consumption and protect tobacco farmers from emerging synthetic products. The committee assured members of the public that the views raised during the public participation exercises would be considered when preparing its report for adoption and subsequent discussion in Parliament. The proposed bill aims to regulate electronic nicotine products, which were not covered in the existing law.
The public participation exercises were conducted in two counties, with the committee hearing diverse views on the proposed legislation. The committee's report will be prepared for adoption and discussion in Parliament, with the proposed bill aiming to strengthen tobacco control measures in Kenya. The bill's proposals will have significant implications for stakeholders, including tobacco farmers, businesses, and consumers.
Key points
- The proposed bill seeks to introduce new licensing requirements and regulate flavoured nicotine products.
- Residents of Kisumu and Laikipia counties have expressed differing views on the proposed changes to Kenya's tobacco control laws.
- The committee will consider the views raised during the public participation exercises when preparing its report for adoption and discussion in Parliament.
