Dr. Naomi Shaban Calls for Amendment of Tobacco Act to Address Emerging Smokeless Products

Tobacco Control Board Chairperson Naomi Shaban has urged for an amendment to the Tobacco Act to address emerging products, especially smokeless tobacco products.

Speaking in Mombasa during a public participation convened by the Ministry of Health and Tobacco Control Board to discuss graphic health warnings on tobacco products, Dr. Shaban echoed the sentiments of hundreds of stakeholders advocating for tailored health graphic warnings for different tobacco products.

As part of providing the public with health warnings on tobacco products, stakeholders urged the Ministry of Health to distinct graphic warnings for newer products, such as smokeless tobacco and nicotine pouches, differing from traditional carcinogenic tobacco warnings.

Industry players also emphasized the urgency for the government to explore safer alternatives, including harm-reduction products supported by scientific evidence demonstrating their reduced harm potential.

Acknowledging the deficiencies within the existing legislation, the Government, through the Tobacco Control Health Board, agreed on the need for amendments to effectively regulate smokeless tobacco products and bridge existing gaps within the Tobacco Act.

The final public participation for the lower eastern region, including Machakos, Kajiado, Kitui, Makueni, and Nairobi, is set for Wednesday, May 8th, at the National Industrial Training Authority, Athi River.