Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Saturday spearheaded the destruction of 5.5 tonnes of harmful tobacco products at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, in a significant move to curb tobacco use and safeguard public health. The products included shisha, gutkha, and flavoured e-cigarettes, which officials said are often aggressively marketed to youth.
The event marked the 2025 World No Tobacco Day, themed “Unmasking the Appeal”, which aims to expose the deceptive marketing tactics employed by tobacco companies, especially those targeting young people.
Duale affirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the public from the health hazards associated with tobacco consumption. “These substances, often targeted at our youth, are laced with toxic chemicals that damage the brain, lungs, and overall health,” he noted during the event.
In a bold policy move, Duale announced the immediate suspension of all existing licences and import permits for nicotine and related products. He directed all manufacturers, importers, and distributors to reapply within 21 days and provide full compliance documentation, as part of efforts to uphold Kenya’s obligations under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
“This decisive action affirms our commitment to enforcing the Tobacco Control Act, 2007 and eliminating illicit trade in tobacco,” Duale stated.
The Cabinet Secretary also praised the collaborative efforts of agencies such as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Immigration, Port Health, and other security bodies, for their vigilance in regulating the entry and circulation of harmful tobacco products.
Duale was accompanied by senior officials including PS Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), MTRH CEO Philip Kirwa, and Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 37 million children aged 13–15 years globally are using tobacco products. World No Tobacco Day seeks to inform the public on the dangers of tobacco, the industry’s tactics, and empower communities to fight for their right to health.
The destruction exercise is a clear signal of Kenya’s intensifying crackdown on harmful tobacco use to protect future generations.
