Business Owners Raise Alarm Over Tobacco Bill Process, Call for Nationwide Consultations

Business owners, traders, retailers, distributors, and hospitality operators have called on Parliament to extend public participation on the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, arguing that key stakeholders have been excluded from the legislative process.

In a statement issued on Sunday, business representatives from Kenya’s Mountain region expressed concern over what they described as inadequate consultation with those likely to be directly affected by the proposed law. They said consultations held in several counties, including Mombasa, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kiambu, Siaya, Bungoma, Kirinyaga, Trans Nzoia, and Nyeri, revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the current public participation process.

The traders emphasized that while they support regulations aimed at protecting public health and promoting responsible business practices, they oppose any legislative process that does not adequately involve affected stakeholders. They accused both the Senate and the National Assembly of failing to sufficiently engage the hundreds of thousands of businesses and millions of Kenyans whose livelihoods could be impacted by the Bill.

A major concern raised by the group is the decision by the National Assembly’s Health Committee to hold public hearings on the Bill exclusively in Nairobi. According to the traders, limiting participation to the capital effectively locks out many business owners from across the country who lack the financial means to travel and present their views. They argued that a law with nationwide implications should be subjected to consultations across all regions.

The business community also questioned the scheduling of the public hearing on June 25, noting that the date carries significant meaning for many Kenyans, particularly young people, as it coincides with commemorations linked to the 2024 Gen Z-led protests. They warned that the timing could limit participation and undermine efforts to ensure broad stakeholder engagement.

The traders are now demanding an immediate extension of the public participation period, the establishment of county-based and virtual participation mechanisms, and direct involvement of retailers, distributors, hospitality operators, and other affected sectors in the legislative process. They also urged lawmakers to consider the potential economic impact of the proposed amendments on businesses, jobs, livelihoods, and government revenue.

The group further noted that many businesses are already grappling with high taxation, rising operating costs, multiple licensing requirements, insecurity, and reduced consumer spending. As such, they argued that any legislation affecting the business environment should be developed through meaningful consultation and informed engagement.

Calling for inclusive governance, the traders urged the National Assembly, particularly its Health Committee, to listen to the voices of Kenyan business owners before advancing the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill. “Our voices matter. Our businesses matter. Our participation matters,” they said.

Read Also: BAHLITA Urges Parliament to Halt Tobacco Bill Review Until Traders Are Heard