Shock as Parliament Schedules Controversial Tobacco Bill Hearing on Gen Z Memorial Day
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The National Assembly is facing scrutiny after scheduling a key stakeholder meeting on the controversial Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, on June 25, 2026, the same day Kenyans are expected to commemorate the second anniversary of the deadly anti-Finance Bill protests.
Documents seen by Hivileo show that the Departmental Committee on Health has invited business leaders, tobacco industry players, consumer groups, and health stakeholders to a stakeholder engagement meeting on the proposed law on June 25, 2026, at 2:00 pm.
The meeting will gather views on the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to introduce stricter regulations on tobacco products, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and other electronic nicotine delivery systems.
Gen Z Anniversary of June 25 Protests Falls on Day of Tobacco Bill Hearing
However, the timing of the meeting has drawn attention because it falls on a date of special significance for many young Kenyans.
June 25 marks two years since thousands of protesters, mainly from Gen Z, took to the streets to oppose the Finance Bill 2024, which they described as punitive and insensitive to the economic struggles facing ordinary citizens.
Also Read: Why the Tobacco Amendment Bill is a Heavy Burden for Traders
The protests culminated in demonstrators breaching Parliament grounds for the first time in Kenya’s history.
Several people were shot dead outside Parliament as security officers moved to disperse crowds.
The demonstrations sparked national outrage and eventually forced President William Ruto to withdraw the Finance Bill 2024.
Since then, June 25 has become a day of remembrance for many Kenyans, with activists and families of victims planning memorial events and vigils to honour those who lost their lives during the protests.
Parliament’s decision to hold discussions on a contentious bill on the same day is likely to spark debate among Kenyans who view June 25 as a solemn occasion rather than a day for major legislative engagements.
Invitation letters dated June 12, 2026, show that the National Assembly, through the Departmental Committee on Health, invited several stakeholders to submit their views on the proposed legislation.
Those invited include the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), British American Tobacco Kenya, the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK), the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, and the Kenya Tobacco Farmers Association (KETOTA).
About the Tobacco Amendment Bill
The committee said the meeting is part of the constitutional requirement for public participation in legislative processes under Article 118 of the Constitution.
Stakeholders have been asked to submit written memoranda to Parliament by June 24 before appearing before the committee.
The Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill has attracted mixed reactions from health groups, manufacturers and tobacco companies over its proposed changes.
Among other provisions, the bill seeks to regulate e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, ban online sales of tobacco products, prohibit the sale of flavoured tobacco products, and require all tobacco dealers to register with the Ministry of Health.
The proposed law also introduces hefty penalties for offenders. Anyone found manufacturing, importing, or selling unapproved tobacco products could face a fine of up to Ksh1 million or 5 per cent of their annual turnover, whichever is higher, or a jail term of up to 2 years.
The bill further proposes a fine of up to Ksh 500,000 or a prison sentence of up to three years for selling tobacco products online.
Businesses operating without registration from the Ministry of Health could be fined up to Ksh 3 million or face three years in prison, while those manufacturing or selling tobacco products using prohibited single-use plastics risk fines of up to Ksh 10 million or imprisonment for up to five years.
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