ELDORET- In a powerful statement against the tobacco industry’s growing threat to public health, Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale on Saturday spearheaded the destruction of over 5.5 tonnes of illicit tobacco products at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret to commemorate World No Tobacco Day.
The consignment, comprising shisha, gutkha, and flavoured e-cigarettes, was seized by border and health authorities in a sweeping crackdown on harmful substances targeting young Kenyans.
Addressing the press at the event, CS Duale said the Ministry of Health had taken bold action to suspend all current licenses and import clearances for nicotine and related products.
“Effective immediately, all licenses for the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, or promotion of these harmful products are suspended,” said Duale. “Entities must reapply within 21 days and demonstrate full compliance with the law. Kenya will not be a dumping ground for toxic substances disguised as lifestyle choices.”
At Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), I oversaw the destruction of 5.5 tonnes of harmful tobacco products; including shisha, gutkha and flavoured e-cigarettes, to mark the 2025 World No Tobacco Day.
These substances, often targeted at our youth, are laced with toxic… pic.twitter.com/GFhCn4wvhv
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) May 31, 2025
The move is anchored in the Tobacco Control Act, 2007 and aligns with Kenya’s obligations under the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products.
The Health CS warned that flavoured tobacco and e-nicotine products are intentionally designed to lure youth, delivering chemicals that severely damage the brain and lungs.
He lauded the Border Management Committee—comprising KRA, KEBS, Immigration, Port Health, and security agencies—for their vigilance in stopping harmful imports at entry points.
He further praised MTRH for hosting and facilitating the environmentally responsible disposal of the products, which were incinerated in compliance with health and safety standards.
CS Duale was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Public Health Mary Muthoni, who reiterated the government’s commitment to preventing non-communicable diseases driven by substance use.
Also present were MTRH CEO Dr. Philip Kirwa, Senior Director Dr. Benjamin Tarus, Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Hon. Evans Kapkea, and Tobacco Control Board Chairperson Dr. Naomi Shaban.
“We are building a healthier, safer, and stronger Kenya,” Duale affirmed. “This fight is not just legal—it is moral. It’s about protecting our children, securing our future, and standing firm against the infiltration of harmful, addictive products.”
The event served as a strong national statement reinforcing Kenya’s leadership in tobacco control in Africa, as the country continues to tighten border surveillance and public health protections.
