Traders Demand Wider Public Participation on Tobacco Control Amendment Bill
Businesses under the Pubs, Entertainment and Restaurants Association of Kenya (PERAK) have petitioned the National Assembly to conduct nationwide public participation on the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, saying the current engagement process is inadequate and exclusionary. The businesses presented signed petitions to the National Assembly on behalf of Kenyans from various…
Businesses in Kenya's Pubs, Entertainment and Restaurants Association (PERAK) have urged the National Assembly to hold wide-ranging public consultations on the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024. PERAK representatives presented petitions to the Assembly, representing Kenyans from various constituencies, demanding physical forums to voice concerns about the bill's proposed amendments.
The call for broader engagement comes as businesses express dissatisfaction with the current engagement process, which they deem inadequate and exclusionary. The bill, sponsored by Senator Catherine Mumma, aims to amend the existing Tobacco Control Act by creating a regulatory framework for new nicotine and tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and oral nicotine pouches.
PERAK's National Chairman, Michael Muthami, warned that passing the bill in its current form could negatively impact businesses and undermine its intended goals. The main concerns raised by stakeholders include a proposed ban on flavored tobacco and nicotine products, as well as a requirement for businesses selling these products to obtain specific licenses from county governments.
PERAK maintains that they are not opposed to regulation but demand a consultative, transparent, and evidence-based legislative process.
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