Kenya Revenue Authority seeks tougher tobacco and nicotine laws

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has urged Parliament to strengthen tobacco-control laws through the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The KRA argues that existing legislation, enacted in 2007, does not adequately address modern products such as vapes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and synthetic nicotine formulations.

The proposed amendments aim to expand the legal definition of tobacco products, regulate the manufacture and sale of electronic nicotine delivery systems, and tighten controls on advertising, particularly on social media. The KRA also seeks to prohibit the sale of these products to individuals under the age of 18.

In response to the Bill, stakeholders in Uasin Gishu County have called for a balanced approach. Traders and industry representatives, including BAT Kenya, expressed concerns regarding the practical enforcement of certain provisions, such as a proposed 100-metre radius restriction on tobacco sales near areas serving minors. They warned that additional licensing requirements could increase bureaucracy and costs for small businesses, urging that any new regulations be evidence-based and practically enforceable.