The government has intensified efforts to combat the illicit and counterfeit tobacco trade following high-level consultations between Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo and the British American Tobacco (BAT) Kenya Board of Directors.
Dr. Omollo said the discussions came after a meeting with President William Ruto on the implementation of the Presidential Proclamation on Alcohol and Drug Control, underscoring the administration’s commitment to addressing substance abuse and related illegal trade.
During the engagement with BAT Kenya, the parties examined the growing threat posed by illicit and counterfeit tobacco products, which continue to undermine public health, distort markets, and deprive the government of critical revenue. Dr. Omollo noted that the illegal trade also weakens legitimate businesses and fuels criminal networks.
The meeting reviewed past interventions that have previously shown success in curbing illicit tobacco trade. According to Dr. Omollo, these lessons informed the identification of both immediate and long-term strategies aimed at strengthening enforcement, improving regulatory oversight, and enhancing collaboration between government agencies and the private sector.
“We reviewed past measures that have proven effective and identified immediate and long-term interventions to curb the vice, protect public health, and safeguard government revenue,” Dr. Omollo said.
He emphasized that addressing illicit tobacco is a key component of the broader national agenda on alcohol and drug control, given the health risks posed by unregulated products and their accessibility to vulnerable populations, including young people.
The meeting was attended by BAT Kenya Board Chairperson Rita Kavashe, Crispin Achola, Phyllis Wakiaga, and other board members. The presence of senior industry leaders highlighted the importance of public-private cooperation in tackling complex challenges such as counterfeit trade.
Dr. Omollo reaffirmed the government’s resolve to work closely with stakeholders to strengthen enforcement mechanisms, disrupt illegal supply chains, and promote compliance within the tobacco sector.
The discussions signal a renewed push by the government to protect consumers, support legitimate businesses, and ensure that public revenues lost through illicit trade are recovered, in line with the Presidential Proclamation on Alcohol and Drug Control.https://x.com/ray_omollo/status/2009177214038708723?s=20
