Cigarette manufacturers,
distributors and importers will not be allowed to put brand names or trademarks
on cigarette packages and wrappers starting June this year.
According to the new Tobacco Control Regulations 2014 published by the
Ministry of Health on Monday, the cigarette packages will instead carry health
warnings and pictograms on the front and back respectively.
“A person shall not manufacture, sell, distribute or import a tobacco
product for sale in Kenya, whose package carries a name, brand name, text,
trademark or pictorials or any representation or sign which suggest that the
tobacco product is less harmful to health rather than other tobacco,” a section
of the regulations stated.
The pictogram is required to be printed in full colour, contrasting with
the background to ensure noticeability while the health warning messages will
be printed in black and white.
The health warning message on the front of the package will be printed in
English while the back package will be in Kiswahili.
