Push for regulatory framework on nicotine products intensify

 Smoking is an addictive and not easy to quit habit. [iStockphoto]

The Harm Reduction Society which is dedicated to the uptake of harm reduction interventions among communities has decried the delays to the Senate’s Tobacco Control Amendment Bill 2024.

According to the Society, the lack of a clear legal framework is fueling misinformation about alternative nicotine products, hindering their potential to reduce tobacco-related harm.

The Bill published in July 2024, was aimed at creating a legal framework for smokeless nicotine products, which are currently unregulated in Kenya.

“While there are issues with the Bill, we must move forward from the current stasis and begin progressing a regulatory structure for alternative nicotine products,” said Dr Michael Kariuki, Secretary-General of the Harm Reduction Society.

He added that while products like vapes have been in existence for 20 years, there is still no basic laws in Kenya to prevent them from being sold to underage.

“In the year since the bill was first published, Kenyans have faced a growing barrage of misinformation about the safety of nicotine products relative to cigarettes. That misinformation is preventing smokers from switching to reduced-risk products, which could save their lives,” said Kariuki

Adding that, “Smokers deserve clarity about the relative risks of smokeless nicotine products compared to smoking and their ability to reduce tobacco-related disease. This can only be achieved if the bill is accelerated.”

Reportedly, other countries that have introduced balanced regulatory systems for nicotine alternatives have seen their smoking rates plummet with vaping being attributed with helping three million smokers to quit in England in the last five years.

 “Some 12,000 people die every year in Kenya from tobacco-related deaths,” said Dr Kariuki adding that there is need to urgently prioritise helping smokers who are struggling to quit to get off cigarettes once and for all.

 “International evidence shows that nicotine products like vapes are the most effective tools to help smokers quit. Saving lives must be the priority.” Noted Kariuki

Pointing out, “What Kenya requires right now is balanced regulation of nicotine products that prevents under-18s access, while ensuring adult smokers have the best tools to help them quit their deadly habit.”