The Ministry of Health has explained the reasons behind its ban on the importation of tobacco products. While appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation on Wednesday, July 31, 2025, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale stated that the ban is part of a broader strategy to combat rising tobacco abuse among young people.
He also stated that the ban is a key intervention by the Ministry of Health aimed at reducing the availability and appeal of tobacco products in local markets.
“Tobacco products have been flooding our markets, frustrating government efforts to curb their misuse. This is why we made the decision to ban imports,” said Duale.
Duale expressed concern over the increasing number of young Kenyans falling victim to tobacco addiction.
Duale Explains Why Govt Banned the Importation of Tobacco Products
He stressed the gravity of the issue, citing global statistics indicating that eight million people die each year from tobacco-related diseases.
Out the eight million fatalities related to tobacco consumption, approximately 1.2 million are non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.
“What’s even more worrying is the growing vulnerability of our youth, who are being lured into addiction through cheap, accessible products. We must act decisively,” Duale told the Committee.
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Duale noted that China has been a major source of imported tobacco products, which have found their way into Kenyan markets despite existing regulations.
The Health CS also highlighted corruption among enforcement officers as a major barrier to effectively implementing tobacco control laws.
“The weakest link in our crackdown, especially on products like shisha, remains corruption within enforcement agencies,” he said.
Graphic Health Warnings for Tobacco Products
The Health CS remarks came during a session convened to consider new regulations on Graphic Health Warnings for Tobacco Products, 2025. The regulations will focus on cigarettes packaging, incorporating images designed to illustrate the health consequences of tobacco use vividly.
The Ministry is seeking the adoption of graphic health warnings to help raise awareness among tobacco consumers about the risks of addiction and associated illnesses, including cancer, heart disease and respiratory complications.
Samuel Chepkong’a, the MP for Ainabkoi and Committee Chairperson, expressed strong support for the Ministry’s efforts.
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He acknowledged the economic interests at play but stressed that public health must take priority.
“We recognize that players in the tobacco industry may oppose these stringent measures due to the potential financial losses. But for us, the health of Kenyans comes first. The Ministry has our full backing,” said the Legislator.
On his part, Gichugu MP Robert Gichimu who is the Vice Chairperson of the Committee urged the Ministry to collaborate more closely with the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) and county governments to ensure effective implementation of anti-tobacco campaigns.
“We are in full support of the graphic warnings. But without strong partnerships with NACADA and county governments, the impact will be limited,” said Gichimu.
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Honourable, if you care and serius about kenyans health. Close all factories and tobacco farming. Your decision renders kenyans jobless and huge tax loss to the Government struggling with economy. So many kenyans are depending on this to bring food on table. Do you have job to give those who will remain with no job?Are you among the ones destroying the good work of Kenya Kwanza while in GK?