- Stakeholders have backed proposed changes to Kenya’s tobacco law, including raising the minimum purchasing age to 21.
- The Bill also proposes tighter regulation of emerging nicotine products, including electronic cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
- Jeff Kirui reports that government, religious and private-sector stakeholders are presenting their views before Parliament.
Stakeholders have thrown their weight behind proposed amendments to Kenya’s tobacco control law, including plans to raise the minimum age for purchasing tobacco and nicotine products from 18 to 21 years.
The stakeholders, drawn from government agencies, religious organisations, the private sector and other groups, supported the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, during submissions before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health in Machakos County on Tuesday.
The Bill, sponsored by Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma, seeks to amend the Tobacco Control Act, 2007, by introducing tighter regulations on the production, sale, advertising and use of tobacco and nicotine products. Parliament confirms that the Bill is Senate Bill No. 35 of 2024, sponsored by Senator Catherine Mumma and currently before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health.
It also seeks to bring emerging products, including nicotine pouches and electronic cigarettes commonly known as vapes, under tighter regulatory measures. Parliament describes regulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems, including electronic cigarettes and related products, as one of the Bill’s purposes.
Stakeholders support proposed changes
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), Council of Governors, National Treasury and Kenya Law Reform Commission were among institutions that supported the proposed changes.
“We strongly support the Bill and commend Parliament for strengthening Kenya’s Tobacco Control framework,” said an NCI-K representative, who made submissions on behalf of the institute’s chief executive officer, Dr Elias Melly.
The NCCK said tobacco use had continued to have devastating effects on individuals and communities, urging Parliament to strengthen measures aimed at protecting the public.
“As a Council, we take the subject matter of tobacco control very seriously, having been the first-line witnesses of the devastating effect tobacco has on individuals and society,” said NCCK General Secretary Rev Canon Chris Kinyanjui in a submission.
Several stakeholders welcomed the proposed increase of the minimum purchasing age to 21, saying the measure would strengthen efforts to protect young people from nicotine addiction and related health risks.
Committee chairperson Dr James Nyikal said the level of agreement among stakeholders would assist the committee as it considers the submissions and prepares its recommendations.
“There has been a lot of concurrence among the stakeholders on issues such as increasing the age of consent to purchase nicotine products from 18 to 21,” Dr Nyikal said.
The committee is expected to continue receiving submissions on Wednesday from additional government agencies and private-sector organisations.
Those scheduled to appear include the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Kenya Revenue Authority and Kenya Bureau of Standards.
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority, Kenya Private Sector Alliance, Kenya Association of Manufacturers and Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry are also expected to make submissions.
READ ALSO: Tana River teacher sets sights on Galole parliamentary seat in 2027 General Election
Other stakeholders listed include British American Tobacco Kenya, Consumers Federation of Kenya, Kenya Tobacco Farmers Association, Pubs, Entertainment and Restaurant Association of Kenya, and Bar, Hotel and Liquor Traders Association of Kenya.
By Jeff Kirui
Get more stories from our website: Education News
To write to us or offer feedback, you can reach us at: editor@educationnews.co.ke
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
