MPs Call For Ban Of Velo In Kenya As Health CS Susan Nakhumicha Put On The Spot
Members of Parliament are now calling on the government through the Ministry of Health to ban the sale of the Velo brand of nicotine pouches in Kenya.
Appearing before the National Assembly to respond to various questions raised by MPs, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakumicha was put on the spot to explain how the addictive tobacco drug landed in Kenya despite a similar product known as Lyft being recalled from the Kenyan market by her predecessor.
Nominated MP Sabina Chege set the ball rolling when she brought into the National Assembly chamber two cans full of Velo pouches, to illustrate the highly addictive substance that is freely sold in the local market.
Sabina Chege tasked the Health CS to explain whether the said drug is locally manufactured in Kenya and by whom and if not, provide details of the licensed distributors in the country, including whether the manufacture or distribution of Velo in Kenya is legal.
In response, CS Nakumicha said Velo is imported from Hungary and distributed in the country by BAT Kenya Limited.
“British American Tobacco (BAT) Kenya PLC is licensed as a tobacco product Manufacturer in Kenya and has sought to manufacture nicotine pouches in Kenya but this has not yet started. No local manufacturer of nicotine pouches exists in the Country therefore all nicotine pouches are imported,” said the CS.
The CS went further to explain that the Ministry has already put in place regulatory mechanisms to restrict the sale of Velo which she said is regulated as a tobacco product under the Tobacco Control Act 2007.
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“Why would we allow an addictive drug imported from Hungary into Kenya…? We should reconsider the decision and this (Velo) should be banned until it is investigated properly so that we save our generation and young people,” submitted Sabina Chege.
Her sentiments were echoed by nominated MP Irene Mayaka who described the effects of Velo as unbelievable.
“I want to ask madam CS to reconsider and have a total ban on Velo… I can tell you out of experience and experimenting… for five minutes it takes you to heaven and brings you back to earth,” said the MP.
“If you look at the way that drug is packaged, it is to hoodwink the young ones. It has nothing to do with adults,” added Thika MP Alice Wambui.
On her part, the Health CS said the Ministry would set up a technical team to look at the Tobacco Act of 20007 and would guide on recommendations.
“If Madam Speaker was to make a declaration that Velo be removed from the market as a ministry of health we would be the happiest because we shall have saved the life of many Kenyans. But we are all relying on the Tobacco Act of 2007,” said the CS.
She added: “We have put together a technical team to review the Tobacco Act, 2007 and they shall be bringing it to the house.”
MPs Call For Ban Of Velo In Kenya As Health CS Susan Nakhumicha Put On The Spot