In a bold move to curb nicotine addiction and protect public health, the Kenyan government has suspended all licences for the manufacture, import, sale, and promotion of nicotine products. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale made the announcement on May 31 during World No Tobacco Day celebrations at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
As part of the enforcement campaign, officials destroyed 5.5 tonnes of illicit tobacco-related items, including shisha, gutkha, and flavoured e-cigarettes.
“This action is not symbolic; it is regulatory. Every player in this industry must now comply afresh with the law,” said Duale, making it clear that the directive is backed by the Tobacco Control Act of 2007 and takes immediate effect.
Vendors now have 21 days to reapply for licences under stricter conditions, with full compliance documentation, or risk permanent cancellation.
Duale expressed deep concern over how nicotine manufacturers deliberately target youth through sweetened flavours, flashy packaging, and aggressive digital advertising. “These products are designed to trap our youth. They deliver harmful chemicals that destroy the brain and lungs,” he warned.
He commended several government agencies including the Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, Immigration, Port Health, and security agencies for intercepting harmful imports. He also applauded Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for safely destroying the seized products.
Eight civil society organisations under the Kenya Tobacco and Nicotine Tax Coalition rallied behind the government’s action. They urged Parliament to amend the Tobacco Control Act to plug legal gaps and enhance regulation.
“This year’s theme, ‘Unmasking the Appeal,’ exposes how industries manipulate our children using flavours, colourful packaging and digital platforms,” the coalition noted.
Duale called on Kenyans to unite behind the crackdown, describing the fight against tobacco addiction as both a legal duty and a moral obligation to protect future generations.
