Uasin Gishu, Kenya: The local county assembly has passed a motion banning smoking in public places and ensuring creation of designated smoking zones.
The motion, which was brought before the house by Moiben MCA Tirus Ting, seeks to have the executive identify and set up designated smoking zones in the county.
The MCA said the move was prompted by reckless smoking in public places without regard for others who would be harmed by the fumes
"As MCAs, we have been attending burials and raising hospital funds for our electorate and the worrying trend in the region is that most deaths are cancer related. We believe that apart from food, the disease is also caused by smoking," Mr Ting said.
Speaking to The Standard, Ting said it is important for the motion be made law so that public places such as hotels can designate smoking zones.
READ MORE
Public debt hits Sh12.04tr as domestic borrowing grows locally
Migori County Assembly passes Sh11.77 billion supplementary budget
Securitisation: The financial tool powering Kenya's roads, and Its risks
Healthcare services grind to a halt as clinical officers down their tools
"We are aware of notorious smokers who are fond of dropping the cigarette filters on the streets and exposing those who do not smoke. With a law in place, we are certain that we shall bring sanity,"he said.
Ting said the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Ministry of Health have been publicising warnings on the dangers of smoking and the assembly has a mandate to follow up.
RANKED TOP
He said it is upon the county executive in charge of Health to enforce the law within seven days so that those found flouting it are charged.
Hillary Rono, the Kipkenyo Ward MCA, said that a section of the electorate has been raising complaints over public smoking hence the need to move urgently.
Mr Rono, who is also the chairperson of the Environment committee in the assembly, said if the bill is passed, the department will be bestowed with enforcers who will ensure that sanity is brought forth in towns.
The passing of the bill comes days after the assembly was ranked top by the County Assemblies Forum (CAF) for generating and passing the highest number of bills last year.
Uasin Gishu County Assembly generated 24 bills and passed all of them.
Speaker Isaac Terer however, took issue with the executive for failing to implement most resolutions this year
