K
Originally published by KBC County NewsFebruary 17, 2026
3h ago
Senate urged to rethink Tobacco Bill as traders predict surge in illicit goods
Nairobi business traders have raised the alarm over the potential surge of illicit tobacco products should the Senate pass the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in its current form...
✨ Key Highlights
Nairobi business traders are urging the Senate to reconsider the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, warning that a ban on flavours in tobacco and nicotine products will lead to a surge in illicit goods and cripple legitimate businesses.
- The proposed Bill, sponsored by Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma, aims to update the Tobacco Control Act of 2007 and introduces regulations for new products like vapes and nicotine pouches.
- Traders, including the Bars, Hotels, and Liquor Traders Association of Kenya (BAHLITA) through Secretary General Boniface Gachoka, argue that banning flavours would create a vacuum for untaxed, unsafe products, referencing recent seizures of 9.3 million sticks of contraband cigarettes worth Ksh 281 million.
- They advocate for strict enforcement of existing laws protecting minors, rather than new restrictions that could lead to significant tax revenue losses for the government.
Continue Reading
Read the complete article from KBC County News
Advertisement
Related News
Advertisement