Kisumu Bar Owners want public participation on Tobacco Control {Amendment} Bill

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Members of the Kisumu Bar Owners Association led by their Chairman Andrew Matoka address the press where they have demanded public participation on the issue of the proposed Tobacco Control{Amendment} Bill claiming that some sections are punitive-Story and Photo By Dickson Odhiambo

 June 30, 2026

Kisumu Bar Owners want public participation on Tobacco Control {Amendment} Bill

Bar Owners from Kisumu County have appealed to the Government to allow them have a public participation process on the issue proposed Tobacco Control {Amendment} Bill.

Under the Banner of Kisumu County Bar Owners Association{KIBOA}, the Bar Owners say they believe several proposals contained in the Bill are impractical, punitive and have been introduced without adequate consultation of affected businesses.

Addressing the press in Ahero today, the Kisumu Bar Owners Association through its chairman Andrew Matoka and his Vice Chair Erick Booker Ogutu says they want open, transparent and inclusive public participation process that allow all the stakeholders including small-scale traders, hospitality businesses, manufacturers, consumers and county representatives to present their views before any amendments are enacted.

They say Kisumu as a region is a major commercial hub in Western Kenya and deserves to host stakeholders’ consultation on legislation that directly affects businesses and consumers.

“We demand that the public participation forums be conducted in Kisumu to ensure that the voices of local traders and hospitality operators are heard and considered,” they say.

They add that they are fully committed to constructive engagement with policy makers and public health stakeholders.

“We urge Parliament and relevant government agencies to suspend the current proposals and facilitate meaningful consultations that balance public health objectives with economic realities and the rights of legitimate businesses,” they add.

The Bar Owners Association in Kisumu has strongly rejected the proposal to introduce additional licenses for businesses already operating under numerous regulatory requirements.

“Additional licensing will increase the cost of doing business, create unnecessary bureaucracy and place further financial pressure on legitimate traders,” they further add.

 

 

  

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