All existing nicotine product licences have been suspended with immediate effect, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has now declared.
While speaking to members of the press on Saturday, May 31, Duale disclosed that the suspension will be effective immediately and gave previously licensed entities 21 days to reapply.
The suspension will affect the manufacture, sale, import, distribution and promotion of nicotine and related products.
“Pursuant to the Tobacco Act 2007 and other applicable laws, I hereby declare suspension of all existing licences and import clearance related to the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale and promotion of nicotine and related products with immediate effect,” Duale stated.
“All persons and entities previously licensed are now required to reapply within 21 days and submit full compliance documentation for consideration,” he added.
Duale made the announcement during the commemoration of World Tobacco Day and cited the move as a means of curbing the proliferation of drug use and safeguarding public health.
During the event, Duale led Ministry officials and other health stakeholders in the destruction of 5.5 tonnes of seized harmful products, including shisha, gutkha, and flavoured e-cigarettes.
He emphasised that the targeted products are designed to appeal to the youth, delivering toxic chemicals that harm the brain, lungs, and overall health.
The CS commended the role played by the Border Management Committee including Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Immigration, Security agencies, and Port Health for their vigilance in intercepting harmful imports.
The latest comes just days after the Ministry of Health has announced a crackdown on tobacco and nicotine merchants operating unlawfully.
Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni on Thursday, May 29, said that the merchants selling the illegal drugs, posed a serious risk to the health of adolescents and university students who are the main abusers of the illegal substances.
Muthoni disclosed that the government had noticed a trend amongst the perpetrators who she said acquired licenses lawfully but ended up bringing illegal products into the market.
