Two individuals were arrested in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, on Friday night as part of a nationwide crackdown on the illegal sale of shisha. The operation, led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) in collaboration with the National Police Service (NPS), targeted entertainment venues suspected of violating the 2017 ban on shisha.
The suspects were apprehended at Downtown Joint, a local pub in Nanyuki, where authorities seized 10 shisha pots, 16 boxes of flavored tobacco, and various smoking paraphernalia. Following the arrests, the individuals were taken to Nanyuki Police Station pending further investigations.
NACADA CEO, Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, reiterated the agency’s commitment to eradicating the illegal trade of shisha, emphasizing the health risks associated with its use. “The sale and use of shisha is illegal in Kenya, and NACADA will not relent in its efforts to eradicate this public health menace,” he said. Dr. Omerikwa also urged the public to report any establishments still dealing in the banned substance, stressing that enforcement efforts would be continuous and uncompromising.
Shisha, a flavored tobacco product smoked using a water pipe, was banned in Kenya in 2017 due to its significant health risks, including respiratory illnesses and increased exposure to harmful chemicals. Despite the prohibition, some entertainment venues continue to offer it illegally, prompting intensified enforcement actions by NACADA and law enforcement agencies.
Senior Superintendent of Police Nicholas Kosgey warned that business owners caught violating the ban would face legal consequences. “We will continue conducting such operations without prior notice. Business owners must adhere to the law or risk arrest and prosecution,” he stated.
This crackdown in Nanyuki is part of a broader national campaign aimed at curbing the resurgence of shisha trade in Kenya. Authorities have pledged to sustain these operations to ensure full compliance with the law. The latest arrests serve as a stark warning to business owners who might still be engaging in the illegal trade, reinforcing the government’s firm stance on public health and safety.
As NACADA intensifies its efforts, the agency continues to encourage public participation in reporting violations, highlighting that collective responsibility is key in eliminating illicit drug activities across the country.
