Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced the suspension of all existing licenses and import clearances related to the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, or promotion of nicotine and related products with immediate effect.
The Ministry of Health in a statement on Saturday, May 31, said that the suspension, pursuant to the Tobacco Control Act, 2007 and other applicable laws, is aimed at curbing the proliferation of drug use and safeguarding public health.
“All persons or entities previously licensed are required to reapply within twenty-one (21) days, submitting full compliance documentation for consideration,” read part of the statement.
CS Duale, on Saturday, oversaw the destruction of 5.5 tonnes of seized harmful products.
The products, including shisha, gutkha, and flavoured e-cigarettes, were destroyed at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) as the ministry marked World No Tobacco Day.
“The event underscores Kenya’s position as a signatory to Article 5.3 of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, reaffirming the country’s commitment to enforcing the Tobacco Control Act as both a legal and moral duty,” the ministry added.
CS Duale commended the Border Management Committee—including the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Immigration, Security agencies, and Port Health—for their vigilance in intercepting harmful imports.
He also recognised MTRH for facilitating safe and eco-friendly destruction of the seized substances.
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Duale speaks on nicotine products
The CS, who was accompanied by Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, emphasised that the targeted products are designed to appeal to the youth, delivering toxic chemicals that harm the brain, lungs, and overall health.
Duale has affirmed the government’s commitment to a healthier, safer, and stronger Kenya, urging every citizen and leader to make the right choice for the future of the nation.
“The Ministry has significantly strengthened border surveillance and Port Health systems to keep such threats out of the country,” the statement adds.
The suspension of all existing licenses and import clearances related to the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, or promotion of nicotine and related products comes after PS Muthoni fired a warning shot to licensed traders who import tobacco and nicotine products and package them in a way that’s attractive to children and the youth.
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In a video message, PS Mary Muthoni on May 29 said the ministry is working on unmasking rogue industry players who have employed undercut tactics to woo children into using tobacco and nicotine products.
MoH vows crackdown on vendors
She said some merchants have taken to adding flavours to the products primarily to make them more appealing to young users.
“We have seen many times that we approve a product and we give a license to merchants who are bringing these products into the country, and thereafter they bring a different product, which has more dangerous content,” PS Muthoni said.
“Some of these products are flavoured and are very attractive in terms of packaging and are deceiving. Therefore, the people who are engaging in the trade in regard to this novel product will come for you, especially when you distort information on the packaging and the content.”
At the same time, the PS called for cooperation from parents in cracking down on tobacco use among university and school-going children amid a surge in the use of the products among the demographic.
She said that over 650,000 children aged between 10 and 17 have experimented with tobacco and nicotine products across the country, resulting in devastating health risks.
“They are causing chronic and respiratory diseases to both the young and the old. We wish to ask the parents to join us in this because they are key stakeholders, these are your children, these are the future generation.”
PS Muthoni also highlighted that parents need to keep an eye on their children and monitor behavioural changes that could point to drug abuse and limit or completely avoid giving them money.
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