The Standard

Should the Government resume annual taxation on tobacco?

By Celine Awuor | 5yrs ago

As the budget process for 2019/2020 gets underway, it is important to tax tobacco products.

Tax and price measures are the most effective tobacco control strategies due to their potential to discourage initiation, encourage quitting of tobacco use and generate revenue for governments.

Article 6 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tcobaco Control, requires parties to implement tax policies and, where appropriate, price measures on tobacco products so as to contribute to the health objectives of the treaty.

This requirement is domesticated in the Tobacco Control Act, 2007. Tobacco taxation is, therefore, an obligation for achieving public health goals.

Notably, in 2015, Kenya made the greatest development in this regard through the Excise Duty Act, 2015, which introduced a uniform specific and high excise for all cigarettes.

This led to a significant increase in cigarette prices by up to 20 per cent on some brands.

Within two years of implementing these reforms, achievements reported included a drop of 17 per cent in consumption of cigarettes and an increase in revenue by approximately Sh3 billion, from Sh9 billion to Sh12 billion.

That is why it is necessary that this financial year attention be paid to tobacco taxation, precisely by returning the single tax tier and at a higher rate.

Adoption of this proposal will be a double score for government by contributing to reduction in the Non-communicable diseases burden while increasing Government revenue that would support financing the Big Four agenda’s Universal Health Coverage programme. Let us make tobacco taxation matter again. 

 

Ms Awuor is Programmes Officer, International Institute for Legislative Affairs

Related Topics

tax tobacco products tobacco control International Institute for Legislative Affairs
.

Latest Stories

African MPs push for Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's international status
African MPs push for Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's international status
Politics
By Edwin Nyarangi
39 mins ago
Celebrations as Moraa wins district seat, makes history in US elections
Nyanza
By Stanley Ongwae
46 mins ago
Why construction sector is vibrant in semi-arid counties
Real Estate
By Graham Kajilwa
46 mins ago
.

The Standard Insider

Treasury CS spells out plans to lay ground for steady economic growth
By Brian Ngugi 46 mins ago
Treasury CS spells out plans to lay ground for steady economic growth
Lobbying intensifies as purge looms for rebel MPs
By Ndungu Gachane 46 mins ago
Lobbying intensifies as purge looms for rebel MPs
Dislike for US envoy pushes some Kenyans to celebrate Trump win
By Brian Otieno 46 mins ago
Dislike for US envoy pushes some Kenyans to celebrate Trump win
How plan to free millions in container deposits will work
By Benard Sanga 46 mins ago
How plan to free millions in container deposits will work
.

Digger Classified

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest developments and special offers!

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERTS

join Digger Classifieds telegram channel
The Standard
© 2024. The Standard Group PLC. All rights reserved