Kenya and EU advance new nicotine and e-cigarette regulations

Legislative bodies in Kenya and the European Union are advancing new regulatory frameworks for nicotine and electronic cigarette products.

In Kenya, the Departmental Committee on Health has resolved to hold public hearings regarding the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bill No. 35 of 2024). Sponsored by Senator Catherine Muuma, the bill seeks to amend the Tobacco Control Act to regulate electronic nicotine delivery systems, including various generations of e-cigarettes and related products. Public scrutiny events are scheduled to take place across seven counties from September 24 to September 26, 2026.

Simultaneously, the European Parliament is considering a unified regulatory framework for all nicotine products. This proposal aims to move away from sector-specific rules to a more stringent, harmonized approach covering e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, heated tobacco, and other related products. The initiative seeks to align rules for these products with traditional cigarettes regarding packaging, flavors, and advertising to close regulatory gaps currently utilized by the industry.