2FIRSTS | Kenya’s BAT Kenya resumes Velo nicotine pouches after citing regulatory clarity
BAT Kenya has resumed sales of Velo nicotine pouches following regulatory clarification, aiming to boost non-combustible product revenue.Summary
BAT Kenya has restarted the sale of its Velo oral nicotine pouches after receiving regulatory clarity, signaling a renewed focus on non-combustible products as cigarette sales decline. The company reported a 10% revenue drop in 2025, reaching KSh23.2 billion ($178.64 million), largely due to the increasing presence of illicit tobacco products. Velo contributed approximately KSh232 million ($1.786 million) to revenue between July and December 2025. BAT Kenya now imports Velo from Pakistan, following the divestment of its local plant, and anticipates Velo could represent 15-25% of its total revenue within three to five years. British American Tobacco aims to have 50 million non-combustible product consumers by 2030 and generate 50% of its revenue from these products by 2035.
(Source：2Firsts)
