Speaking in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, the traders, who include bar operators, proposed different health warnings for different tobacco products. They said newer, smokeless tobacco products such as nicotine pouches should have different graphic warnings. Tobacco Control and Health Promotion Alliance Chairman Joel Gitari, however, said public health trumped business needs. “Regarding the draft Graphic Health Warnings (GHWs), our position is that text health warnings on smokeless nicotine products are not appropriate as that equates them to cigarettes. Kenya Bar Owners Association Secretary-General Boniface Gachoka said at least 54,000 members countrywide stand to benefit from smokeless tobacco products.
