Eldoret business owners have expressed 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 increase the circulation of illicit goods.
Speaking in Eldoret 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,” said Holliab Lodenyo, Chairman of Bars, Hotels, and Liquor Traders in Uasin Gishu County. “However, the proposed flavour ban risks creating a gap that illicit traders are likely to exploit.”
