NAIROBI, Kenya, June 24 – Traders in Eldoret have opposed sections of the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill currently under consideration by the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health, warning that some of the proposals could hurt small businesses and increase illicit trade.
Speaking through the Bar, Hotels and Liquor Traders Association of Kenya (BAHLITA), the traders called for nationwide public participation before the Bill is advanced, arguing that those likely to be affected have not been adequately consulted.
The traders said the committee is currently engaging selected stakeholders in Nairobi, a process they claim does not reflect the views of businesses operating across the country.
“We understand the Committee is holding targeted meetings with select stakeholders in Nairobi who do not represent the face of Kenya,” said BAHLITA Uasin Gishu County Chairman Hollian William Lodenyo.
“Articles 10 and 118 of our Constitution make it clear that Parliament has a direct duty to facilitate public participation. A law-making process that excludes the very people it will govern is an affront to our rights.”
Among the concerns raised is a proposal requiring businesses that sell tobacco products to register with county governments.
The traders argued that the requirement would increase the cost of doing business, saying many operators are already paying multiple licences and permits.
“We are already burdened by licences. We are among the most heavily taxed business people in this country,” Lodenyo said.
“If they add more licensing requirements as proposed, many businesses will simply be forced to close.”
The traders also opposed proposals to ban flavoured nicotine and tobacco products, arguing that such a move could create opportunities for illicit and unregulated products to enter the market.
According to the association, a ban could disadvantage legitimate businesses while reducing tax revenues collected from regulated products.
“Banning flavours will open the doors to a flood of illicit products as the market seeks to replace genuine products,” the traders said.
“This could lead to legitimate businesses losing customers to untaxed and unregulated products, while the government loses revenue.”
They further warned that additional regulatory requirements could affect businesses and jobs supported by the tobacco value chain.
The traders are now calling on the National Assembly Committee on Health to suspend deliberations on the Bill and conduct structured public participation forums across the country.
They want consultations to include traders, business associations, farmers and other stakeholders, with feedback incorporated before any final decision is made on the proposed law.
The concerns mirror similar objections raised by traders in Nakuru, who have also called for wider consultations on the proposed amendments.
