According to a report by The Star, anti-smoking activists are urging the Kenyan government to revoke the agreement to export tobacco to South Korea.
During a recent visit to South Korea, Kenyan President William Ruto signed a bilateral trade agreement that would increase Kenya's exports of tea, coffee, and tobacco.
The Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance (KETCA) has called on the president to reconsider his decision, citing concerns that the agreement will persuade farmers to continue growing tobacco, even as health advocates encourage them to replace the crop with other viable alternatives.
The World Health Organization, World Food Programme, and Food and Agriculture Organization expressed concerns over the environmental and health effects of tobacco production and consumption. In March, they collaborated with the Kenyan government to launch a project aimed at halting tobacco production in western Kenya.
This project allows farmers to cease their tobacco cultivation contracts and switch to food crops that can help feed the community.
According to the National Coordinator of Kenya, Thomas Lindi, the country's Tobacco Control Act requires the government to continue the gradual phasing out of tobacco cultivation in Kenya.
He stated: "Any treaty or agreement that restricts Kenya's promotion of tobacco cultivation would be considered a violation of the Tobacco Control Act and therefore illegal. We demand that the government immediately cancel any aspects related to tobacco in the Kenya-South Korea agreement.
Tobacco is the main cash crop for at least 55,000 Kenyan farmers, most of whom reside in the western and southeastern regions of the country. Although tobacco contributes relatively little to the overall national economy (about 0.03% of GDP), it is an important economic activity in areas where it is grown.
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