PERAK Petitions Parliament on Tobacco Control Bill: Urges Nationwide Consultations

• Businesses under PERAK have petitioned Parliament to conduct nationwide public participation on the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
• The current public participation process has been criticized as inadequate and exclusionary.
• Affected stakeholders are urging Parliament to undertake fresh, nationwide consultations before proceeding with consideration of the proposed amendments.
• The proposed legislation aims to establish a regulatory framework for emerging nicotine products, including vapes and oral nicotine pouches.

Businesses are now urging Parliament to undertake fresh, nationwide consultations before proceeding with consideration of the proposed amendments, arguing that affected stakeholders should have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the legislative process.

The Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has sparked controversy among businesses and stakeholders in Kenya. The proposed legislation aims to establish a regulatory framework for emerging nicotine products, including vapes and oral nicotine pouches. However, the current public participation process has been criticized as inadequate and exclusionary. Businesses are now urging Parliament to undertake fresh, nationwide consultations before proceeding with consideration of the proposed amendments.

The petitioners argue that affected stakeholders should have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the legislative process. This is particularly important for businesses in the pub and entertainment industry, which may be impacted by the proposed changes to their operations and compliance exposure.

The Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is sponsored by nominated Senator Catherine Mumma. The Bill was first introduced in the Senate, where it was debated and passed before being forwarded to the National Assembly for concurrence. It is currently under consideration by the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Health ahead of debate in the House.

The outcome of this legislative process will have far-reaching implications for businesses and stakeholders in Kenya. If the proposed amendments are passed without adequate public participation, it may lead to unintended consequences and compliance challenges for affected businesses.

On the other hand, a more inclusive and transparent public participation process can help ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are taken into account. This is essential for building trust and confidence in the legislative process and promoting good governance in Kenya.

Lawyers advising clients in the pub and entertainment industry should watch for potential changes to business operations and compliance exposure under the proposed Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which may impact their ability to operate or market emerging nicotine products.

Source: Original reporting via Briefly