Nairobi: The Government has intensified crackdown on electronic cigarettes (vapes) and Shisha products, amid growing concerns that their increasing use is contributing to the rising burden of respiratory diseases in the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary (PS), Mary Muthoni, stated that the Ministry of Health is strengthening enforcement against the illegal importation, sale, and use of these products. She warned that many are being smuggled into Kenya through neighboring countries in violation of existing laws.
Speaking in Thika, Kiambu County, after inspecting more than 17,000 packets of suspected counterfeit cigarettes seized from a homestead in the town last week, Muthoni emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting Kenyans from harmful and unregulated tobacco products. She expressed concerns over the increasing circulation of vapes, shisha, and other tobacco products entering the country illegally, highlighting that some of these are untested, unregulated, and pose significant health risks, especially respiratory diseases.
The Principal Secretary urged cigarette manufacturers, importers, and distributors to adhere to the country’s health and safety regulations, underscoring that public health must take precedence over commercial interests. Muthoni stressed the responsibility of manufacturers and importers to ensure that every product released into the market meets the required safety and regulatory standards. She assured that the government would continue collaborating with enforcement agencies to remove illegal products from circulation.
Investigations are underway to verify the authenticity of the seized cigarettes and identify those involved in their importation, storage, and distribution. Muthoni warned that if laboratory tests confirm the products are counterfeit, they will be destroyed according to the law, with those found culpable being prosecuted.
Additionally, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has launched parallel investigations to assess whether the consignment complied with customs requirements, including the payment of applicable taxes and the affixing of mandatory excise duty stamps.
This operation is part of the government’s broader campaign to curb illicit tobacco trade and enhance enforcement against unregulated nicotine products, as health experts continue to voice concerns over the harmful effects of vaping and shisha smoking.
