Kenyan Retailers Petition Senate to Halt Tobacco & Vape Bill

Two major Kenyan trade associations, the Bars, Hotels and Liquor Traders Association of Kenya (BAHLITA) and the Retail Traders Association of Kenya (Retrak), have submitted a joint petition to the Senate, urging it to immediately halt the debate on the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024. They argue that the bill, which proposes significantly stricter rules for nicotine products, has been rushed forward without the required public participation and meaningful consultation with key stakeholders.

The petition, submitted on Wednesday, September 24, states, “Consumers, retailers, manufacturers, and other critical stakeholders who stand to be significantly impacted by this Bill have been left out of the conversation. The people most affected have been ignored.”

The bill, sponsored by Senator Catherine Mumma, seeks to amend the Tobacco Control Act of 2007 by imposing tougher regulations on the production, sale, advertising, and use of all nicotine products, including synthetic nicotine, nicotine pouches, and vapes. The petitioners warn that if passed in its current form, the legislation will severely harm small and medium-sized businesses through duplicative licensing, technical overregulation, and costly approval processes.

• Read more: Kenya’s New Tobacco Bill is a “Death Sentence” for Smokers

A major concern highlighted in the petition is the potential for a surge in illicit trade. The groups argue that some of the proposed changes could drive legal businesses out of the market, creating a vacuum for illegal operators to fill. “Already, half of Kenya’s cigarette market is illegal,” the petition notes. “This Bill will only make things worse by moving more products to the black market… robbing thousands of small family-owned shops… of their livelihoods.”

The petitioners are calling on the Senate to stop the bill’s progress and initiate inclusive, transparent consultations with all affected parties. They remind senators that jobs and livelihoods are at stake and that supporting the bill without proper public input would be turning away from the communities that elected them. The bill is currently before the Senate, awaiting the Committee of the Whole House stage where amendments can be considered.

• News source: Bar owners, retailers petition Senate to halt Tobacco Control Bill

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.

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