Stakeholders Urge Parliament to Reconsider Flavour Ban in Tobacco Control Bill

Kenyan stakeholders are urging Parliament to reconsider proposed restrictions on flavors within the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024. They argue that a blanket ban could hinder smoking cessation efforts and push consumers towards illicit markets. During nationwide public participation on the Bill, which aims to regulate electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and other emerging nicotine products, concerns have been raised.

The Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA) supports stronger tobacco control measures but suggests differentiating between youth protection and measures that may deter adult smokers seeking to quit cigarettes. Half of CASA's survey respondents use vapes or nicotine pouches to quit smoking, and 53% say flavors help them stay away from cigarettes, while 43% claim flavors assist in reducing cigarette consumption.

Only 14% identified tobacco as their preferred flavor. CASA warns that removing flavors might lead 32% of respondents to return to smoking, 18% to smoke more, and 33% to seek flavored products through alternative sources. The Bill also proposes banning non-tobacco flavors, restricting online sales, and limiting nicotine bottles to 10ml.

Proponents of the Bill argue that stronger regulation is essential to prevent nicotine addiction in young people, but critics highlight the importance of flavored products in helping adult smokers quit.