Kenya takes a stand

A recent ruling by Kenya’s Court of Appeal has been described as demonstrating the ‘unwavering’ and ‘exemplary’ determination of the country’s authorities to ‘stand against the intimidation of the tobacco industry and place public health above all other considerations’, according to a story in the Daily Trust, Abuja.

The African Tobacco Control Alliance (ATCA) was commenting on the court’s decision to dismiss BAT Kenya’s challenge to the 2014 Tobacco Control Regulations, which, in part, require cigarette companies to print graphic health warnings on product packs.

The ATCA is said to be a non-profit, non-political pan-African network of more than 120 civil society organizations.

The group described the ruling as a ‘signal for advocates of stronger control in the region to continue to struggle against tobacco use’.

Deowan Mohee, ACTA executive secretary, said that while celebrating the progress in tobacco control in Kenya, it was necessary to be mindful that the tobacco epidemic was progressing in Africa.

If strong measures weren’t taken now, it was unlikely that the continent would reach the target of a 30 percent reduction in tobacco consumption by 2025.

Mohee said that as tobacco consumption declined in the developed world, the tobacco industry considered Africa its last frontier and was pursuing an aggressive marketing strategy across the continent.