Uasin Gishu traders oppose proposed tobacco law, warn of illicit trade surge
By Eric Mutai, June 24, 2026Business owners in Uasin Gishu County have rejected key provisions of the proposed Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, arguing that the legislation was developed without adequate public participation and could negatively affect thousands of small enterprises across the country.
Speaking during a press briefing in Eldoret, traders under the Bar, Hotels and Liquor Traders Association (BAHLITA) said the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health has been engaging only selected stakeholders in Nairobi, leaving out wider input from traders in counties.
They said the current process does not reflect the views of ordinary business operators who will be affected by the law.
BAHLITA Uasin Gishu County Chairman Hollian William Lodenyo said public participation is a constitutional requirement under Articles 10 and 118.
“We understand the Committee is holding targeted meetings with select stakeholders in Nairobi who do not represent the face of Kenya,” he said.
Licensing and registration concerns
The traders raised concerns over a proposal requiring tobacco product vendors to register with county governments, saying it would amount to double taxation. They argued that businesses already operate under multiple licensing requirements imposed by different regulatory bodies.
“We are already burdened by licenses. We are the most heavily taxed licensed people in this country,” Lodenyo said. He added that introducing additional requirements could force some traders to shut down their businesses due to rising operational costs.
The association called for a review of the proposed framework, saying any new regulation should consider the existing licensing structure to avoid duplication and increased financial pressure on small businesses.
Flavour ban
Traders also opposed provisions seeking to ban flavours in nicotine and tobacco products. They warned that such restrictions could create conditions that encourage the growth of illicit trade by pushing consumers toward unregulated products.
According to BAHLITA, restricting legal products could reduce demand for licensed goods while expanding informal markets that are harder to regulate. They also raised concerns about potential revenue losses for government agencies that rely on taxation from regulated tobacco sales.
The group further stated that such policy changes could disrupt supply chains linked to distributors, retailers, and workers who depend on the sector for income.
Wider consultations
The traders have urged the National Assembly’s Health Committee to suspend consideration of the Bill and conduct structured public participation forums across all counties. They said broader engagement should include traders, farmers, business associations, and other stakeholders directly affected by the legislation.
BAHLITA maintained that inclusive consultations would help ensure balanced legislation that addresses public health concerns while safeguarding livelihoods within the sector.
They reiterated that their views must be considered in the legislative process, stating that decisions affecting their businesses should not be made without their full participation.