Health Ministry under fire after inviting BAT to lead tobacco campaign

A lobby group has accused the Ministry of Health of breaking Kenyan law and violating international treaty obligations by inviting British American Tobacco (BAT) Kenya to co-lead a national health campaign targeting transport workers.

In a statement on Monday, June 9, Tobacco Control Civil Society said a letter allegedly written by Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni proposes that the tobacco company be involved in public fundraising and health messaging.

“The letter grants undue access to messaging platforms that influence public health behaviours,” said the lobby, warning that the move presents a serious conflict of interest.

The organisation said the ministry’s actions lacked transparency, breached public trust and violated Article 5.3 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which prohibits partnerships with the tobacco industry in public health policy.

“Inviting the tobacco industry to co-lead public health campaigns is a direct conflict of interest and undermines our national commitment to public health and integrity,” the watchdog noted.

It demanded the ministry immediately withdraw the letter dated May 7, issue a public apology and declare that it will no longer engage any tobacco or nicotine company in health promotion.

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The campaigners also called for an independent investigation by Parliament’s Health Committee, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Auditor-General to determine whether public funds or policy were compromised and to recommend necessary legal or administrative action.

They urged Kenyans to resist tobacco industry interference through advocacy, petitions and media campaigns, and called on international agencies, including the WHO FCTC Secretariat and United Nations bodies, to monitor Kenya’s compliance going forward.

At the same time, the lobby praised Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale for firm steps taken during World No Tobacco Day, including revoking nicotine import licences and burning more than five tonnes of illegal nicotine products.

“This decisive action sends a clear message that Kenya will not serve as a dumping ground for dangerous nicotine products that offer no health benefit but instead fuel addiction,” the organisation said.

The watchdog cautioned that British American Tobacco has recently sought policy favours for products like Velo nicotine pouches through deceptive public relations strategies, and warned of legal redress if the ministry fails to act.

“The government must choose people’s health over corporate profits,” said the lobby.