Health Officials Launch Anti-Smoking Campaign

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has spearheaded a major anti-smoking drive, coinciding with Kenya’s 2025 World No Tobacco Day. At a public event in Uasin Gishu County, the Ministry of Health destroyed 5.5 tonnes of illicit tobacco products — including shisha, gutkha, and flavored e-cigarettes — in a strong show of commitment to controlling tobacco use.
Under the Tobacco Control Act, the government has suspended all existing licenses for nicotine-related products, with those previously licensed required to reapply within 21 days under stricter compliance measures. Health officials emphasized that the crackdown is particularly focused on protecting young people, noting that emerging nicotine products (like flavored vapes and pouches) are being marketed aggressively to youth.
As part of the campaign, Kenya is introducing 17 new graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging, with fresh designs that target the risks of both traditional tobacco and newer nicotine products. In addition, the Ministry is calling for continued vigilance against predatory strategies by the tobacco industry, including digital marketing and flavored products that appeal to young people.
This campaign is part of a broader tobacco-control reform. As a reinforcement, the government has imposed a ban on tobacco imports, aiming to cut off the inflow of harmful products and reduce youth addiction.