Pubs and entertainment businesses under PERAK petition Parliament for nationwide public participation on Tobacco Bill
The petition comes amid growing concerns among traders and business owners over provisions of the Bill, with stakeholders calling on Parliament to take public participation beyond Nairobi and engage communities across the country.
NAIROBI, Kenya – The Pubs, Entertainment and Restaurants Association of Kenya (PERAK) has filed a petition with the National Assembly, urging the body to engage in nationwide public participation on the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024. PERAK claims the current engagement process is insufficient and exclusive, requesting physical public participation forums across the country to allow affected businesses, stakeholders, and citizens to express their opinions on the proposed amendments.
This move follows concerns from traders and business owners regarding the Bill's provisions, prompting calls for Parliament to extend public participation beyond Nairobi and involve communities nationwide.
The petition was presented to the National Assembly on behalf of Kenyans from various districts, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive consultation process. Senator Catherine Mumma sponsored the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which was initially introduced in the Senate and subsequently forwarded to the National Assembly. The Bill aims to establish a legal and regulatory framework for emerging nicotine and tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and oral nicotine pouches.
Businesses are now urging Parliament to conduct fresh, nationwide consultations before advancing the proposed amendments. They argue that affected stakeholders should have a genuine chance to participate in the legislative process, highlighting the concerns raised during the Bill's consideration in the Senate last year.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
