{
  "id": 1807416,
  "title": "Why proposed tobacco laws could fuel illicit trade amid rising business costs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/why-proposed-tobacco-laws-could-fuel-illicit-trade-amid-rising",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-18T21:40:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/business/why-proposed-tobacco-laws-could-fuel-illicit-trade-amid-rising-business-costs"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kenya’s proposed tobacco laws are sparking concern among business groups that the changes could make legitimate trade more expensive and provide more room for illicit sellers, as Parliament debates the sweeping Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The Public, Entertainment and Restaurants Association of Kenya (Perak) is leading the opposition, warning that the legislation could burden businesses with higher compliance costs and more complex licensing requirements. Perak argues some measures could duplicate existing national and county licensing systems, making it harder for businesses to navigate the regulations and increasing paperwork and enforcement costs. The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has echoed similar concerns over the potential for overlapping licensing rules to create regulatory uncertainty and barriers to formal trade. Perak also opposes a proposed 100-metre restriction on tobacco sales, arguing the limit could make it difficult for businesses to operate in densely populated areas and push consumers toward unregulated outlets. The association contends this could create a loophole for illicit sellers who would not face the same regulatory costs. The bill also proposes restrictions on flavors and plain packaging, which Perak says could remove legal products from shelves without fully addressing consumer demand, potentially opening the door for counterfeit tobacco products. Business groups argue Parliament should weigh the proposed tobacco controls against their potential economic and enforcement consequences before making a final decision.",
  "summary": "Kenya’s proposed tobacco laws could increase the cost of legitimate trade and create fresh opportunities for illicit sellers, business groups have warned as Parliament considers sweeping changes to tobacco and nicotine regulation. The warning comes amid growing opposition from the Pubs, Entertainment and Restaurants Association of Kenya (Perak), which wants Parliament to broaden public…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}