The Ministry of Health (MOH) has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing Kenya’s nationwide shisha ban, warning that crackdowns on illegal outlets will continue following a recent multi-agency operation in Nairobi. Over the weekend, the Division of Drug and Substance Abuse Control, alongside law enforcement agencies, raided several shisha-selling establishments, arresting offenders and confiscating delivery systems.
Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni stated that the operation underscores the government’s resolve to uphold the 2017 ban, which prohibits the import, manufacture, sale, and use of shisha. “This enforcement is just the beginning,” Muthoni said, adding that violators arrested during the weekend crackdown would face prosecution. She urged the public to report illegal shisha activities, emphasizing that the ban protects citizens from the health risks associated with shisha smoking.
The renewed crackdown follows growing concerns over the resurgence of shisha in nightclubs and entertainment spots, despite its prohibition. Shisha, a flavored tobacco product smoked through a water pipe, has been linked to severe health issues, including respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that a single shisha session can be as harmful as smoking 100 cigarettes.
Kenya’s ban, one of the strictest in Africa, covers all aspects of shisha trade and consumption. However, enforcement challenges persist, with some establishments operating covertly. The MOH has vowed to sustain nationwide operations until compliance is achieved, signaling a zero-tolerance stance.
Public health advocates have praised the government’s efforts but stress the need for sustained awareness campaigns to deter demand. As enforcement intensifies, authorities aim to eliminate the illicit shisha trade, safeguarding Kenya’s youth and upholding the nation’s public health laws.
For now, the message is clear: the shisha ban remains in full effect, and those flouting it will face the law.
