Nairobi — 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 under the Bars, Hotels and Liquor Traders Association of Kenya (BAHLITA), argues that the Bill has been "rushed forward" without meaningful consultation with consumers, retailers, manufacturers, and other key stakeholders.

The Bill, sponsored by ODM nominated Senator Catherine Mumma, seeks to amend the Tobacco Control Act of 2007 by introducing stricter rules on the production, sale, advertising, and use of nicotine products, including synthetic pouches and vapes.

BAHLITA and its partners claim that if passed in its current form, the law would impose duplicative licensing, costly approval processes, and overregulation that would harm small and medium-sized enterprises.

Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn

They further warned the measures could push more products into the illicit market, which already controls an estimated half of Kenya's cigarette trade.

"This Bill will only make things worse by moving more products to the black market, punishing law-abiding traders and stripping thousands of family-owned shops of their livelihoods," the petition states.

The associations also told lawmakers that the Bill risks undermining legal employment and revenues at a time when small businesses are struggling to recover from economic shocks.

The Bill is currently before the Senate at the Committee of the Whole House stage, where amendments can be introduced and voted on.