Nairobi, Feb. 23 -- BAT Kenya has reported strong growth in the consumption of its nicotine pouches branded Velo, indicating the company's opportunity to grow in the new product category and reduce its reliance on mainstay cigarettes.

The performance of nicotine pouches in the Kenyan market was disclosed by the company's London-based parent firm BAT Plc.

"In Kenya, our accelerated national rollout in January 2023 has driven a near fourfold increase in adult consumer numbers," the multinational said in an update. "Our learning from these two markets - Kenya and Pakistan - give us confidence in our ability to unlock the emerging market opportunity for modern oral."

In Kenya, independent retailers are selling a Velo pack containing 20 pou...