By Shadrack Nyakoe
The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed that the ban on shisha remains fully in effect and has announced plans for a nationwide crackdown on the illegal trade.
The prohibition, first enacted in 2017 under the Public Health (Control of Shisha Smoking) Rules, was initially challenged in court. While the High Court ruled the ban unconstitutional, the Court of Appeal later upheld it on December 23, 2024, reinforcing the government’s position that public health takes precedence over commercial interests.
Shisha smoking has been linked to serious health risks, including respiratory diseases, heart complications, and exposure to toxic chemicals. These dangers have prompted renewed efforts to strictly enforce the ban.
Government to Intensify Crackdown
Speaking on the issue, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni Muriuki emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring compliance with the law.
“The Ministry of Health, together with other government agencies, will intensify surveillance and take action against violators,” she stated.
The upcoming crackdown will target products that lack proper labeling, especially those that fail to disclose their potential health risks. Authorities are particularly concerned about the impact of shisha on both primary consumers and those exposed to secondhand smoke.
The Ministry of Health has urged Kenyans to prioritize their health and support efforts to maintain a shisha-free Kenya. “Prevention is better than cure,” PS Muthoni reiterated, calling on law enforcement agencies and the public to work together in combating illegal shisha trade.
