MPs Want Addictive Velo Pouches Banned in Kenya

Lawmakers in Kenya are calling for the government to ban the sale of nicotine pouches by British American Tobacco (BAT).

During an address in the National Assembly, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha was asked about the entry of addictive goods into the country especially in light of the past recall of Lyft. Velo brand, which has recently earned favour among university students, doesn’t seem to disclose the associated health risks of using the product. As determined by the Kenya Tobacco Control Act (KTCA), displays of caution in English and Kiswahili are mandatory packaging inclusions for all nicotine pouches and tobacco products. On Wednesday while highlighting the reach of this addictive substance in local stores, Nominated MP Sabina Chege displayed two tins of Velo pouches in the National Assembly chambers.

The sole warning on the pouches’ packaging reminds customers that Velo includes nicotine, which can cause addiction. Experts have emphasized that, whether natural or not, nicotine poses serious health hazards beyond the tendency toward addiction. While confirmed by CS Nakumicha, it is worth mentioning that BAT Kenya Limited distributes Velo through imports from Hungary. Ms Chege challenges the authorities and argues that the decision to permit Hungary’s addictive substances may jeopardize Kenyan youth’s well-being. Consequently, the Health CS has hinted at having a technical team investigate the Tobacco Act of 2007 and provide recommendations.

Despite its perceived safety relative to tobacco, nicotine remains a threat to our physical well-being. Multiple studies, including one released in 2015 by the US National Centre for Biotechnology Information, have drawn attention to this danger. Consequently, the production and use of tobacco goods have declined considerably due to heightened health awareness. In an effort to reduce fatalities stemming from tobacco use even further, civil societies and the Kenyan government have jointly upheld a plan to facilitate tobacco farmers transitioning to more secure sources of income. This aim is supported by organizations such as the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization which promote the adoption of alternative crops instead, chiefly maize and beans.

BAT has made efforts to expand its product range beyond cigarettes, successfully introducing heat-not-burn products, traditional oral products (Grizzly), electronic cigarettes, and modern oral products like Velo. The sale of nicotine pouches in Kenya was halted in 2019 when the Ministry of Health raised concerns about their regulation by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board instead of the Tobacco Control Board, as specified in the Tobacco Act of 2007. After reaching an agreement that the TCB should oversee their regulation, nicotine pouches were permitted for sale in 2022, thereby categorizing them as tobacco products.