Velo is an innovative white oral nicotine pouch that offers adult smokers an alternative and convenient way to consume nicotine on the go.
It offers them a convenient way to consume nicotine without the smoke and smell associated with many tobacco and nicotine products.
The drug was born in Sweden and is produced in Europe.
Velo pouches are made from high-quality ingredients, including water, plant-based materials, flavoring, sweeteners, and pharmaceutical-grade nicotine, all prepacked in a small pouch.
MPs Push for Velo to be Banned
Members of Parliament on Wednesday, October 4 initiated a bid to compel the government through the Ministry of Health to ban the sale of the Velo brand of nicotine pouches in Kenya.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha 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 by her predecessor.
Led by nominated MP Sabina Chege, she tasked the Health CS to explain whether the said drug is locally manufactured in Kenya and by whom and if not, provide details of the licensed distributors in the country, including whether the manufacture or distribution of Velo in Kenya is legal.
In response, 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 CS stated.
Other MPs supported Sabina Chege prompting CS Nakhumicha to indicate that she will set up a team to investigate the drug.
