As the world marks the World No Tobacco Day, the Kenyan tobacco industry has yet again been put on the spot over their renewed efforts to undermine advertisement ban on the commodity's products.
The drafters of the Tobacco Act 2010 in Kenya claim companies in the tobacco industry has developed some clever tactics to counter the advertising bans. These measures include participating in charitable contributions under the disguise of corporate social responsibility.
International Institute of Legislative Affairs director Vincent Kimosop said such CSRs are usually tailored towards promoting the image of cigarette companies rather than promoting humanitarian efforts.
“Not only is CSR contribution a form of advertising and promotion, but such contributions allow tobacco companies to legitimise themselves with policy makers and the public in their efforts to counter the negative attention surrounding their deadly products,” Kimosop told The Star on phone.
He said that despite the ban, most tobacco companies in Kenya and Africa using social media such as Facebook, check-out counters and cigarette packages in movies where actors are shown to use their products.
“One may be cheated to think that tobacco advertising has been effectively banned because we no longer see them on TV, Radio and newspapers. Think it again. These companies will never relent, they have gone high tech,” said Kimosop.
The Cabinet Secretary for Health James Macharia urged the Treasury to raise taxes on tobacco products in the next budget. This will make the products less affordable and will discourage non-smokers from trying out.
Macharia suggested that all the revenue collected from tobacco products be allocated to the health sector to facilitate the implementation of the tobacco control instruments.
He further warned both the print and electronic media not to publish any form of tobacco advertisements, promotions and sponsorship placements.
“I direct that all existing advertisements and promotion of tobacco products including products display and stacking cease with immediate effect,” Macharia said adding that the general public should not accept promotional items or sponsorship offered by the tobacco industry.
British American Tobacco communication and corporate social responsibility manager Chris Obure however dismissed the accusations of undermining the advertising ban arguing BAT has executed its activities within the law.
"Our Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives are all legitimate and are designed to ensure the sustainability of our business, promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation," said Obure adding that they have a positive working relation with the government.