Eldoret, Kenya – Business owners in Eldoret have voiced concern over the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill currently before the Senate, warning that a proposed ban on flavours in products such as vapes and nicotine pouches could harm legitimate businesses and fuel the circulation of illicit goods.
Traders Support Regulation, Oppose Ban
Speaking on Tuesday, traders said they support government efforts to strengthen regulatory enforcement and eliminate untaxed and unapproved products from the market.
“As business owners, we support lawful measures that ensure order and accountability across all sectors. However, the proposed flavour ban risks creating a gap that illicit traders are likely to exploit,” said Holliab Lodenyo, Chairman of Bars, Hotels, and Liquor Traders in Uasin Gishu County.
Illicit Market Concerns
According to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), more than half of products in the Kenyan market including alcohol, cigarettes, cosmetics, and soft drinks are illicit, bypassing taxation and regulatory standards.
Lodenyo argued that banning flavoured nicotine products could push consumers toward cheaper black-market alternatives, undermining tax collection, consumer safety, and the livelihoods of legal traders.
“If this bill passes, businesses that have taken years to establish could collapse, communities will lose income, and the government may lose tax revenue,” he added.
Call for Stronger Enforcement
The traders urged the Senate to reject the proposed ban and instead focus on enforcing existing regulations, which they say are sufficient to address concerns about illicit products.
“We ask the Senate to prioritize measures that curb illicit trade, protect revenue, and safeguard consumers, rather than introduce policies that may inadvertently create new risks,” Lodenyo said.
Conclusion
As debate over the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill continues, Eldoret traders are calling for a balanced approach that strengthens enforcement without penalizing legitimate businesses. The outcome will be closely watched by stakeholders across Kenya’s hospitality and retail sectors, where livelihoods and government revenues are at stake.
