Members of parliament are now calling on the government through the Ministry of Health to ban the sale of popular nicotine pouch, 'velo' in Kenya.

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.

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.

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."

The Health CS said the Ministry would set up a technical team to look at the Tobacco Act of 2007 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 will 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.

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. 

This product is placed between the cheek and gum. They do not contain tobacco, but they do contain nicotine, flavorings, sweeteners and plant-based fibers.