Kenyan Bar Owners and Retailers Petition Senate to Halt Debate on Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill 2024, Citing Lack of Public Consultation and Potential Job Losses

Key Points:

·Petition: Kenyan bar operators and retailers petition the Senate to suspend debate on the "2024 Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill" and oppose the current progress and potential impact of the bill. 

·Reasons for the petition: First, the bill is being pushed through "too hastily" without meaningful consultation with stakeholders such as consumers, retailers, and producers. Second, concerns that after the implementation of the bill, redundant permits, high fees for approval, and excessive regulation will harm small and medium-sized enterprises. Third, fear that it will worsen the expansion of the illegal market, punishing law-abiding merchants and depriving thousands of small family shops of their livelihoods. Fourth, during the recovery period for small and medium-sized enterprises, the bill may harm legal employment and fiscal revenue. 

·Basic information about the bill: Initiated by ODM-nominated Senator Catherine Mumma, the bill aims to amend the 2007 Tobacco Control Act, introducing stricter regulations on the production, sale, advertising, and use of nicotine products. 

·Current progress of the bill: It has been submitted to the full committee of the Kenyan Senate for review, during which amendments can be proposed and votes can be taken.

2Firsts，September 26, 2025 - According to a report by capitalfm on September 24, bar owners and retailers have petitioned the Senate to suspend debate on the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, citing lack of public participation and fears of job losses.

The petition submitted by the Bars, Hotels and Liquor Traders Association of Kenya (BAHLITA) states that the proposed bill is being rushed through without meaningful consultations with consumers, retailers, producers, and other key stakeholders.

The bill was introduced by Senator Catherine Mumma of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and aims to amend the 2007 Tobacco Control Act to establish stricter regulations for the production, sale, advertising, and use of nicotine products.

BAHLITA and its partners stated that if the bill is passed in its current form, it will result in redundant permits, lengthy approval processes, and excessive regulations, which will harm small and medium-sized enterprises.

They further warned that these measures could drive more products into the illegal market - an estimated half of Kenya's cigarette trade is already controlled by the black market.

The petition states: "This bill will only worsen the situation, drive more products into the black market, punish law-abiding merchants, and deprive thousands of small family-owned businesses of their livelihoods.

These associations also informed lawmakers that, at a time when small and medium-sized enterprises are struggling to recover from the economic impact, this legislation could harm legal employment and fiscal revenue.

Currently, the bill has been submitted to the full Senate committee for review, during which amendments can be proposed and a vote can be taken.