Nairobi, 10 August 2007 -- The Tobacco Control Bill that has been debated in Parliament for the last five years was passed yesterday. It is now awaiting the signature of the Head of State, H.E. President Mwai Kibaki to become law.

The Tobacco Control Act prohibits smoking in public places, prohibits any form of advertisement, promotion and sponsorship by/from the tobacco industry. It also prohibits sell to minors (under 18 years) and selling of single sticks. The Act also requires the tobacco industry to label at least 30% of the cigarette packets with alternating health messages among others.

Two days before the motion was put to Parliament, the Director of Medical Services, Dr. James Nyikal released over a Press Conference a national tobacco control opinion poll revealing overwhelming support from the public. The poll results indicated that the public is concerned about health effects of tobacco, higher concern on tobacco use by young people. It also indicated that the public is aware of dangers of second-hand smoke, and that the vast majority consider tobacco use inappropriate. The public supports measures that protect them, and in particular to protect young people, and that Kenyans want tobacco industry controlled.

The Director of Medical Services revealed that tobacco is a leading health risk factor. He also pointed out that tobacco is a significant risk on the country’s economy and environment. Dr. Nyikal said 26% of Kenyans smoke (8.4 million), and 13% of primary school children (1 million) are active smokers. This is a crisis and requires an urgent response, he said. The Ministry of Health outlined broad support measures to reduce smoking especially among children and the youth and to protect all Kenyans from the harms of second-hand smoke.

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