The recent proposal to amend the Tobacco Control Act, 2007 with, among other proposals, a ban on smoking during the day is an example of defective legislative proposals. In Kenya these standards have been well captured in the Tobacco Control Act, 2007, which has enabled the country to achieve a lot in tobacco control. Also, tobacco farmers would benefit more in the long run if they are supported to shift to other economically viable alternative livelihoods instead of building for them more processing facilities. The proposal lacks evidence that would link the ban to reduction of smoking or the benefits it holds for tobacco farmers, therefore begging the question what its motivation is. Currently, tobacco control efforts are at a critical stage where the public is waiting for the regulations to implement the Tobacco Control Act in a week or so.

Source: Daily Nation September 19, 2016 19:07 UTC