The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) intensified its fight against illegal shisha trade on Wednesday, arresting two individuals in a raid at a popular entertainment joint along Lang’ata Road. The operation led to the confiscation of 16 shisha bongs, 106 cartons of assorted shisha flavors, and a charcoal burner, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to enforcing Kenya’s shisha ban.
NACADA Director of Compliance and Enforcement, James Koskey, issued a stern warning to all shisha operators, emphasizing that the law is clear and non-negotiable.
“This raid should serve as a clear message to all shisha operators: the law is unequivocal. Shisha is illegal in Kenya, and we will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone flouting this ban,” Koskey stated.
The two arrested individuals are set to be arraigned in court as NACADA continues to tighten its grip on the illicit trade. The crackdown follows a recent Court of Appeal ruling that reaffirmed the government’s 2017 ban on shisha. The court dismissed an appeal by shisha traders seeking to overturn the ban, citing the severe health risks associated with shisha smoking.
Despite the prohibition, many entertainment joints have continued to sell shisha discreetly, prompting NACADA to conduct frequent raids. Shisha, a flavored tobacco product smoked through a water pipe, has been linked to serious health risks, including respiratory diseases, cancer, and addiction. The government’s stance remains firm: protecting public health and addressing the growing substance abuse crisis in the country.
Koskey reiterated NACADA’s commitment to continued enforcement efforts, targeting bars, clubs, and other establishments suspected of engaging in the trade. He also called on the public to report any businesses violating the ban.
“We cannot win this fight alone. We need the support of every Kenyan to ensure that our communities are free from the dangers of shisha,” he added.
As NACADA continues its nationwide crackdown, shisha operators are now on high alert, with authorities vowing to take stringent measures against those who defy the law.
