Traders oppose extra tobacco licences, call for public participation
BAHLITA Secretary General said the association, which represents more than 54,000 traders across the 47 counties, was concerned about what it termed efforts to exclude key stakeholders from participating in the Bill's consideration by the National Assembly.
Nairobi, Kenya - The Business and Liquor Hospitality Association of Kenya (BAHLITA) has raised concerns over a proposed licensing and registration system in the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024. BAHLITA, representing over 54,000 traders across Kenya’s 47 counties, warns that the new requirements could burden small businesses with increased compliance costs. The association criticizes the Bill for excluding key stakeholders from its consideration, asserting that public participation is a constitutional right.
BAHLITA supports public health measures to prevent young people from accessing tobacco products and stronger measures against illegal operators. However, the association contends that additional licensing and registration could lead to unnecessary bureaucracy, as many tobacco retailers are already subject to national and county regulations. The association argues that more licences do not necessarily mean better compliance; they often create more administrative burdens.
Most tobacco traders in Kenya are micro, small, and medium-sized businesses that could find it challenging to manage extra licences, fees, and administrative requirements. BAHLITA warns that higher compliance costs might push some businesses towards informality, undermining public health efforts. Instead, the association proposes the creation of an integrated regulatory system, including shared databases, mutual recognition of licences, and a single-window compliance framework.
Furthermore, BAHLITA calls for more robust actions against illicit tobacco trade, emphasizing that illegal products undermine public health, reduce revenue for the government, and create unfair competition for businesses that follow regulations. The association urges authorities to prioritize traceability systems, intelligence sharing, and targeted enforcement over imposing extra paperwork on legitimate traders.
BAHLITA emphasizes that the success of the Bill should be judged by its impact on reducing youth access to tobacco, improving compliance, curbing illicit trade, protecting government revenue, and promoting better public health outcomes. The association urges the National Assembly to ensure the Bill’s consideration is open and inclusive, allowing stakeholders a genuine opportunity to present their views. BAHLITA stresses that good laws are the result of consultations, evidence, and consensus, not exclusion.
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