The Kenya Tobacco Control & Health Promotion Alliance (KETCA) has urged lawmakers to prioritize the protection of youth as the Senate debates the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill. Cecilia Lubanga, Communications Lead at KETCA, said while reviewing existing laws to include new products is important, the emerging nicotine products are being deliberately designed to attract young consumers.
“First of all, I will agree with BAHLITA to some extent, whereby he’s saying that it’s good, that it’s important that we review these laws to be able to accommodate these new emerging products that are in the market and they’re not regulated. But at the same time, do you know the data that is existing right now, out of every dollar and from the tobacco industry, at least $2.3 (Sh297.8) to $3 (Sh387.6) is lost to the effects caused by the tobacco industry,” Lubanga said.
Lubanga warned that the tobacco industry is increasingly targeting youth through product design and flavours, making consumption easy and appealing even in public spaces.
“Walk into any restaurant today, even at 9am you’re going to find at least three, four people vaping, because it’s easy for you to consume that product anywhere and anyhow, because of the flavours that have been included in those products,” she said.
She also highlighted that despite bans on advertising, influencers and media content continue to expose young people to these products, further increasing consumption among minors.
Lubanga cited data from the Tobacco Control dashboard showing that children as young as five years old are being exposed to nicotine products across the country.
“The industry is trying to stay afloat. Let’s not try to glamorize this and act like it’s all about, you know, looking out for the traders, because from the look of things, the industry already knows the old consumers are getting out of market. These products are here to target the youth, and the youth are the future of this country,” she added.
The Bill, sponsored by ODM-nominated Senator Catherine Mumma, is before the Senate at the Committee of the Whole House stage after passing the second reading.
It seeks to regulate the production, sale, advertising, and consumption of nicotine products, including nicotine pouches and vapes.
Key proposals include banning tobacco sales through hawking, vehicles, or mobile vending, banning flavours in nicotine products, and prohibiting online and digital advertising across social media and other platforms.
Offenders could face fines of up to Sh50,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both.
The Senate resumed sittings on September 23, with the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill among the most debated items on its agenda.
