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Tobacco Bill Hearing Scheduled on Gen Z Protest Anniversary
Parliament Schedules Tobacco Bill Hearing on June 25 as Kenya Marks Gen Z Protest Anniversary
The National Assembly has scheduled a key stakeholder engagement on the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, on June 25, 2026, a date that coincides with the second anniversary of the anti-Finance Bill protests that reshaped Kenya’s political landscape.
Some documents allegedly show that the Departmental Committee on Health has invited business leaders, manufacturers, consumer groups, health organizations, and tobacco industry stakeholders to a meeting on the proposed legislation scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on June 25.
The engagement forms part of Parliament’s public participation process and seeks to gather views on proposed amendments that would introduce stricter regulation of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and other electronic nicotine delivery systems.
Hearing Falls on Symbolic National Date
The timing of the hearing has attracted attention because June 25 holds significant meaning for many Kenyans, particularly young people.
The date marks two years since nationwide demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024 culminated in protesters breaching Parliament grounds for the first time in Kenya’s history. The protests, largely driven by Gen Z activists, resulted in fatalities and widespread public outrage before ultimately leading to the withdrawal of the Finance Bill.
Since then, June 25 has emerged as a day of remembrance for many Kenyans, with civil society groups, activists, and families of victims expected to hold memorial activities to honor those who lost their lives during the demonstrations.
The decision to schedule discussions on a major piece of legislation on the same day is likely to generate debate, given the significance many Kenyans attach to the anniversary.
Business and Industry Stakeholders Invited
Invitation letters dated June 12 indicate that Parliament has called on a broad range of stakeholders to submit written memoranda and appear before the committee.
Among those invited are the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), British American Tobacco Kenya, the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK), the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, and the Kenya Tobacco Farmers Association (KETOTA).
Stakeholders have until June 24 to submit their written views ahead of the hearing.
Tobacco Bill Hearing Scheduled on Gen Z Protest Anniversary | Photo Courtesy
Proposed Law Targets Emerging Nicotine Products
The Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to strengthen regulation of both traditional tobacco products and emerging nicotine alternatives.
Among its key proposals are tighter controls on e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, a ban on online tobacco sales, restrictions on flavored tobacco products, and mandatory registration of all tobacco dealers with the Ministry of Health.
Supporters argue the proposed law will strengthen public health protections and address growing concerns around youth access to nicotine products. However, industry players and business groups have raised concerns about the potential impact of some provisions on manufacturers, retailers, and tobacco farmers.
Hefty Penalties Proposed
The bill introduces significant penalties for non-compliance.
Manufacturers, importers, or sellers of unapproved tobacco products could face fines of up to KSh1 million or five percent of annual turnover, whichever is higher, or imprisonment of up to two years.
The legislation also proposes fines of up to KSh500,000 or a three-year prison sentence for online tobacco sales.
Businesses operating without registration from the Ministry of Health could face fines of up to KSh3 million or imprisonment for up to three years.
Meanwhile, firms found manufacturing or selling tobacco products using prohibited single-use plastics could face penalties of up to KSh10 million or imprisonment for up to five years.
Balancing Public Health and Industry Concerns
The June 25 hearing is expected to bring together diverse voices from the health sector, business community, manufacturers, consumer advocates, and policymakers.
As Parliament reviews the proposed amendments, stakeholders are likely to debate how best to balance public health objectives with industry competitiveness, consumer choice, and the economic interests of businesses operating across the tobacco value chain.
The outcome of the consultations could shape the future regulatory framework for tobacco and nicotine products in Kenya at a time when governments globally are tightening oversight of emerging nicotine alternatives.
You can also read more about the bill here
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