Designated smoking zones countrywide face closure after the Kenya Tobacco Control and Health Promotion Alliance (KETCA) recommended for their total scrapping across the country.
In their submissions to the amendment proposals for the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill 2024, Senate Bill No. 35 of 2024, KETCA said the designated smoking areas in Kenya do not meet the standards as outlined by the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
The NO TOBACCO Champions stated that the set areas often fail to protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke exposure due to inadequate separation, ventilation, and monitoring.
“Secondhand smoke is a significant health hazard, causing heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses in non-smokers. We recommend the total elimination of smoking zones to protect the public from involuntary exposure to harmful smoke.” KETCA said in their amendment proposals.
KETCA also recommended a complete ban on the manufacture, Importation, distribution, and Sale of Emerging Tobacco and Nicotine Products in the country.
“We propose a comprehensive ban on the manufacture, importation, distribution and sale of all emerging tobacco and nicotine products in Kenya. Emerging tobacco products, i.e. electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), heated tobacco products (HTPs), and other novel nicotine delivery systems, pose significant health risks that are not yet fully understood the world health organization contents that the harmful effects of the products still need further scientific investigation.” KETCA said in their submission.
They also recommended the Complete Ban on Flavors in Traditional and Emerging Tobacco Products adding that the flavors make tobacco products more appealing to young people and new users, by creating a more palatable experience.
“Evidence indicates that flavored tobacco products are more attractive to younger populations, who are more likely to experiment with and become addicted to these products.” They said.
“By eliminating flavors, we reduce the attractiveness of tobacco products, thereby supporting efforts to reduce tobacco use and encourage cessation.” They added.
