KISUMU: The Kisumu Bar Owners Association (KIBOA) has strongly faulted the newly proposed Tobacco Control Regulations, labeling the legislative framework as punitive, ill-intended, and a direct threat to the hospitality industry.

During a press briefing that brought together key entertainment and hospitality stakeholders in the lakeside city, KIBOA warned that several clauses in the new draft legislation will severely undermine local businesses and create an unfavorable economic environment.

Chief among their concerns is a provision introduced in the bill that mandates an additional specialized license for premises retailing tobacco and nicotine products.

“As we speak, bar and entertainment operators must navigate a total of 17 different licenses to keep our doors open. Adding yet another licensing fee will definitely increase the cost of doing business. As the investors on the ground, we reject this entirely. It will push the business community over the edge,” said KIBOA Vice Chairman Eric Ogutu.

Ogutu called for administrative intervention, adding, “We want to be a constructive part of the process. We urge the policy formulation teams and the county assembly to genuinely include our voices through comprehensive and elaborate public participation.”

His sentiments were echoed by fellow association member Bob Andala, who argued that proposed product bans would inadvertently stimulate the underground economy.

“The outright ban on flavored vapes and e-cigarettes is ill-advised. By outlawing these products from licensed, regulated shelves, the government will simply drive consumers straight into the arms of the illicit market,” Andala warned.

Mr Andala further criticized a clause in the regulations requiring tobacco retail points to be situated at least 100 meters away from specific public institutions or competing zones, calling it completely detached from the reality of urban planning.

“In a dense commercial hub like Kisumu City, where business premises are physically situated just feet apart, enforcing a strict 100-meter buffer zone is entirely unrealistic and practically unfeasible,” he noted.