Health Cabinet Secretary (CS), Aden Duale, has led a government multi-agency team in the destruction of 5.5 tonnes of seized harmful products, including shisha, gutkha, and flavoured e-cigarettes.
The activity took place at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Uasin Gishu County as part of activities to commemorate World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2025.
Duale reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and its protocol on eliminating illicit tobacco trade, underscoring the country’s legal and moral obligation to enforce the Tobacco Control Act.
“These illegal products we have destroyed are unregulated, extremely dangerous and designed to undermine our laws while poisoning our children. We must act decisively to protect our youth, our health systems, and the future of this nation,” said Duale.
The Cabinet Secretary praised the stakeholders’ Committee, led by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Immigration Services, Security agencies, Port Health and other stakeholders stationed at ports of entry, for their vigilance and coordination in intercepting harmful imports.
He also lauded MTRH for safely and sustainably facilitating the destruction of the seized substances, thereby protecting both people and the environment.
Duale issued a stern warning to unscrupulous traders and smugglers by saying that “Kenya will not be a dumping ground for toxic substances. Not under my watch.”
He noted that the targeted products are often designed to appeal to the youth, delivering highly toxic chemicals that damage the brain, lungs, and overall health.
While reiterating the ban on shisha, the Cabinet Secretary announced new measures to curb rising drug use and safeguard public health.
Citing the Tobacco Control Act, 2007, and other relevant laws, the Ministry of Health has suspended all existing licences and import clearances related to the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale or promotion of nicotine and related products, with immediate effect.
All previously licensed individuals or entities are now required to reapply within twenty-one (21) days, submitting full compliance documentation for review.
Additionally, he revealed that the Ministry has intensified border surveillance and strengthened port health systems to curb such threats at their entry points.
Accompanied by Principal Secretary for Public Health Mary Muthoni and Tobacco Control Board Chairperson Dr. Naomi Shaban, MTRH CEO Dr. Philip Kirwa, Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea, and Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Dr. Eddyson Nyale, the Cabinet Secretary in his closing remarks reiterated the government’s commitment to building a healthier, safer and stronger Kenya and called on all leaders and citizens to choose health, life, and a tobacco-free future.
Every year on 31 May, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and its partners around the globe observe World No Tobacco Day, raising awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.
According to a study in 2023, tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death worldwide, currently responsible for the deaths of one in every ten adults.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that each year, tobacco kills over 8 million people and also causes significant environmental damage, harming human health further through its cultivation, production, distribution, consumption and the waste it generates.
By Fredrick Maritim
