Chrispin Achola has been appointed the managing director for British America Tobacco (BAT) Kenya following the resignation of Beverly Spencer.
Beverly Spencer will be leaving the company on December 31, 2020, after serving for nearly 4 years in the position, her resignation comes against the background of alleged bribery allegations in the licensing of condemned e-cigarette, Lyft.
In a statement to investors on Monday, the cigarette maker said Ms Spencer will officially leave the company on December 31, 2020, following the end of her assignment.
“Beverley will continue in an advisory capacity for some time to ensure a smooth transition,” the firm said in a statement.
“During the last 4 years, Beverley has transformed the business from a portfolio, value and people perspective. She leaves a legacy of energizing and inclusive leadership and has collaborated extensively with external stakeholders putting BAT Kenya on the manufacturing and top employer map.”
Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance (Ketca) had raised concerns early October 2020 that Lyft that was legalized by the BAT is easily accessible and being abused by minors.
Lyft is a nicotine pouch marketed by British American Tobacco (BAT) Kenya as an alternative to cigarettes for addicted smokers.
Although BAT products are targeted for adult smokers, MoH raised a red flag in the manner in which the Lyft is sold to the public for violating provisions of Section 23 of CAP 244 as required.
”The Ministry of Health noted with concern that the licensing of nicotine pouches, sold under the brand name “LYFT”, by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board was done contrary to the provisions of Section 25 of the Pharmacy and Poisons Act CAP 244.” noted the CEO Ministry of Health Mutahi Kagwe.
The product has been gaining popularity since being introduced into the market late last year.
It is sold over the counter in supermarkets and local shops at Sh20 a pouch.
This makes it easy to be abused by youth and children because it is cheap and available in kiosks and online shops. It can be bought in chemists, supermarkets and from local shops for as little as Sh20.
BAT refers to the much-condemned product as ‘tobacco-free modern oral nicotine pouch’ ranked as one of the new categories on their product portfolio.
“Our portfolio reflects our commitment to meeting the preferences of today’s adult smokers while transforming tobacco by adapting to consumer and market changes with innovative tobacco and nicotine products. Our product portfolio comprises a range of high quality and innovative products, including cigarettes (combustible products), cut – rug tobacco (unprocessed tobacco) and our potentially reduced-risk category of tobacco-free oral nicotine products. We refer to these products as our “New Categories”.” BAT’s official website reads in part.
By Christabel Airo