The Bars, Hotels and Liquor Traders Association of Kenya (BAHLITA) and the Retail Traders Association of Kenya (RETRAK) have petitioned the Senate to suspend debate on the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, arguing that it was introduced without adequate public participation.
The two lobby groups warn that, if passed in its current form, the proposed legislation would hurt legitimate businesses and instead fuel the illicit trade of tobacco and nicotine products, undermining the very objective of reducing deaths and health risks linked to smoking.
The Bill, sponsored by Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma, seeks to amend the Tobacco Control Act of 2007 by introducing stricter regulations on the production, sale, advertising, and consumption of nicotine products.
However, BAHLITA and RETRAK caution that Kenya could face an influx of illegal tobacco products as traders and consumers turn to the black market, leading to lost tax revenue for the government and job losses within the formal retail and hospitality sectors.
The petition adds fresh controversy to ongoing national debates over the balance between public health priorities and the economic realities of businesses reliant on tobacco-related sales.