Proposed nicotine crackdown sparks pushback from businesses, youth

Bars, Hotels and Liquor Traders Association of Kenya Secretary General Boniface Gachoka (in a blue suit) with other industry stakeholders when they addressed the press/COURTESY Kenya’s plan to tighten controls on tobacco and emerging nicotine products has run into resistance from sections of the business community and young people, who have asked MPs to review some of the proposed restrictions before the law is passed.

‎The concerns were raised during public participation on the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024 before the National Assembly Health Committee.

‎The proposed law seeks to bring electronic nicotine delivery systems, nicotine pouches and heated tobacco products under a more comprehensive regulatory framework.

‎It would give the Cabinet Secretary for Health powers to authorise the manufacture, importation, distribution and sale of specified tobacco and nicotine products.