- BAHLITA opposes proposed tobacco licensing rules for traders.
- Traders warn extra licences could raise business costs.
- Association calls for stronger action against illicit tobacco trade.
The Bars, Hotels and Liquor Traders Association of Kenya (BAHLITA) has opposed proposed licensing and registration requirements in the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, warning they could raise compliance costs for small businesses.
BAHLITA’s Secretary General said the association, which represents more than 54,000 traders across the 47 counties, was concerned about what it termed efforts to exclude key stakeholders from participating in the Bill’s consideration by the National Assembly.
The association said public participation is a constitutional right and called on Parliament to ensure affected businesses get an opportunity to present their views as the Bill moves from the Senate to the National Assembly.
Backs public health goals, opposes duplicate licensing
BAHLITA said it supports public health measures aimed at keeping tobacco products out of the hands of young people, as well as stronger action against illegal operators. However, it said the proposed licensing and registration framework could create unnecessary duplication for businesses already subject to national and county regulations.
“More licences do not automatically translate into more compliance. In many cases, they simply create more bureaucracy,” the association said.
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BAHLITA said most tobacco retailers are micro, small and medium-sized businesses that could struggle with additional licences, fees and administrative requirements, warning that higher compliance costs could push some businesses into informality rather than improving compliance.
Calls for integrated regulatory system
The association wants the national and county governments to develop an integrated regulatory system instead, including shared databases, mutual recognition of licences and a single-window compliance framework.
Wants focus shifted to illicit trade
BAHLITA also called for stronger action against illicit tobacco trade, saying illegal products undermine public health efforts, reduce government tax revenues and create unfair competition for compliant businesses. It urged authorities to focus on traceability systems, intelligence sharing and targeted enforcement rather than imposing additional paperwork on legitimate traders.
The association said the Bill’s success should be judged not by how many licences are issued or registers created, but by whether it reduces youth access to tobacco products, improves compliance, curbs illicit trade, protects government revenue and delivers better public health outcomes.
BAHLITA called on the National Assembly to ensure the Bill’s consideration is open and inclusive, saying stakeholders should be given a genuine opportunity to present their views.
“Good laws are not built through exclusion. They are built through consultations, evidence and consensus,” the association said.
By Benedict Aoya
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