The Ministry of Health (MoH) has reaffirmed that the ban on shisha smoking, enacted in 2017, remains fully in effect and urges all Kenyans to adhere to the regulation. This ban, which was introduced through the Public Health (Control of Shisha Smoking) Rules, prohibits the manufacture, importation, sale, and use of shisha throughout the country.
The ban was instated in response to growing concerns over the harmful health effects of shisha smoking. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the smoke inhaled during a typical one-hour shisha session is equivalent to smoking up to 100 cigarettes. Shisha smoking has been linked to severe health risks, including respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and exposure to toxic chemicals that can have long-term adverse effects on users’ health.
Under Section 163 of the Public Health Act, offenders who violate the ban could face a fine of up to Sh50,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. Despite this, the popularity of shisha among certain segments of the population has continued, with the practice still being widely sold in upmarket nightclubs and favored by socialites and even sportspersons.
In light of this ongoing issue, the Ministry of Health has called on law enforcement agencies to strengthen surveillance and take action against those violating the law. The MoH emphasized the importance of prioritizing health, both individually and collectively, and reiterated that prevention is always better than cure. The Ministry’s statement urged the public to comply with the regulations and be more vigilant in protecting their health and the health of those around them.
This reminder comes after a legal challenge to the ban in 2018, which was upheld by both the High Court and the Court of Appeal. In a recent ruling on December 23, 2024, the Court of Appeal once again reinforced the ban, asserting that public health must take precedence over commercial interests. The judiciary’s support for the ban underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health against the dangers posed by shisha.
Kenya joined Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda in 2017 as the fourth East African country to prohibit shisha, a move that aimed to curb the health risks associated with this practice. While the law remains in effect, the Ministry of Health’s continued efforts to ensure its enforcement are essential in promoting a healthier society.
