On July 29, 2019, the Kenya Tobacco Alliance (KETCA) expressed strong opposition to British American Tobacco's (BAT) plan to introduce nicotine-based products, known as nicotine pouches, in Kenya.
According to KETCA's Programmes Director, Thomas Lindi, the plan is ill-conceived and poses significant health risks to consumers. Lindi emphasized that nicotine, a key component of these products, is harmful to human health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) does not support nicotine-based products, further solidifying KETCA's stance against BAT's plan.
Despite BAT's announcement of a 2.5 billion shilling investment in a nicotine-based plant in Kenya, KETCA is urging the government not to license the new venture, citing its potential to increase tobacco consumption rather than reduce it.
Alarmingly, approximately 4,000 Kenyans die every year from tobacco-related diseases, highlighting the need for stricter regulations on the tobacco industry.
