Uasin Gishu: Health Cabinet Secretary (CS), Aden Duale, has led a government multi-agency team in the destruction of 5.5 tonnes of seized harmful products, including shisha, gutkha, and flavoured e-cigarettes. The activity took place at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Uasin Gishu County as part of activities to commemorate World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2025.
According to Kenya News Agency, Duale reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and its protocol on eliminating illicit tobacco trade, underscoring the country's legal and moral obligation to enforce the Tobacco Control Act. Duale stated that the destroyed products are unregulated and dangerous, designed to undermine laws and poison children, emphasizing the need to act decisively to protect youth and health systems.
The Cabinet Secretary praised the stakeholders' Committee, led by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Immigration Services, Security agencies, Port Health, and other stakeholders stationed at ports of entry, for their vigilance and coordination in intercepting harmful imports. He also commended MTRH for facilitating the safe and sustainable destruction of the seized substances.
Duale issued a stern warning to traders and smugglers, asserting that Kenya will not become a dumping ground for toxic substances. He highlighted that the targeted products appeal to the youth, delivering toxic chemicals that damage health. The Cabinet Secretary reiterated the ban on shisha and announced new measures to curb drug use and safeguard public health.
Citing the Tobacco Control Act, 2007, and other relevant laws, the Ministry of Health has suspended all existing licenses and import clearances related to nicotine products. All previously licensed individuals or entities must reapply within twenty-one days, submitting compliance documentation for review. Additionally, the Ministry has intensified border surveillance and strengthened port health systems to curb such threats at entry points.
Accompanied by Principal Secretary for Public Health Mary Muthoni and Tobacco Control Board Chairperson Dr. Naomi Shaban, MTRH CEO Dr. Philip Kirwa, Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea, and Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Dr. Eddyson Nyale, the Cabinet Secretary reiterated the government's commitment to a healthier Kenya and called for a tobacco-free future.
Every year on 31 May, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and its partners observe World No Tobacco Day, raising awareness about tobacco's health risks and advocating for effective policies to reduce consumption. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death worldwide, responsible for one in every ten adult deaths, with WHO estimating over 8 million deaths annually and significant environmental damage due to tobacco cultivation and waste.