Traders Warn of Illicit Tobacco Surge as Senate Debates Amendment Bill

Business traders across Kenya have raised fresh Traders Warn of Illicit Tobacco Surge as Senate Debates Amendment Bill
Business traders across Kenya have raised fresh concerns over the potential rise of illicit tobacco products if the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is passed in its current form.

In statements issued through various trader associations, business owners argued that the proposed amendments could unintentionally expand the black market by imposing measures they describe as restrictive without sufficient stakeholder engagement. They maintain that such an outcome would hurt compliant traders, reduce government revenue, and complicate enforcement efforts.

The traders further accused the Senate of failing to conduct adequate consultations before advancing the bill. Many said they had viewed the Upper House as their last line of defense, expressing disappointment that their concerns were not sufficiently addressed during committee deliberations.

According to the business community, enforcement of existing provisions under the Tobacco Control Act of 2007 should be prioritised instead of introducing new amendments. The current law already restricts access to tobacco and nicotine products to persons under the age of 18 and provides mechanisms for regulation and penalties for violations.

Leaders expected to play a role in the legislative process include Moses Masika Wetang’ula, Speaker of Parliament; Edwin W. Sifuna; Jackson Mandago; Tabitha Mutinda; and Karen Nyamu.
As the debate continues, traders are calling on lawmakers to strike a balance between public health objectives and the survival of small and medium-sized enterprises, warning that unintended economic consequences could undermine both regulatory and recovery efforts.

over the potential rise of illicit tobacco products if the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is passed in its current form.

In statements issued through various trader associations, business owners argued that the proposed amendments could unintentionally expand the black market by imposing measures they describe as restrictive without sufficient stakeholder engagement.

They maintain that such an outcome would hurt compliant traders, reduce government revenue, and complicate enforcement efforts.The traders further accused the Senate of failing to conduct adequate consultations before advancing the bill.

Many said they had viewed the Upper House as their last line of defense, expressing disappointment that their concerns were not sufficiently addressed during committee deliberations.According to the business community, enforcement of existing provisions under the Tobacco Control Act of 2007 should be prioritised instead of introducing new amendments.

The current law already restricts access to tobacco and nicotine products to persons under the age of 18 and provides mechanisms for regulation and penalties for violations.Leaders expected to play a role in the legislative process include Moses Masika Wetang’ula, Speaker of Parliament; Edwin W. Sifuna; Jackson Mandago; Tabitha Mutinda; and Karen Nyamu.

As the debate continues, traders are calling on lawmakers to strike a balance between public health objectives and the survival of small and medium-sized enterprises, warning that unintended economic consequences could undermine both regulatory and recovery efforts.