The government has banned all imports of tobacco products, according to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
Duale, who revealed this as he appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation on Wednesday, July 30, asserted that the ban was aimed at reducing the availability of the product, which has raised significant health concerns in the country and globally.
According to Duale, despite resistance from stakeholders within the sector, the ministry will not backstep in its crackdown on suppliers of tobacco and other nicotine-related products, such as Shisha, which are making their way into the country unlawfully, especially from countries such as China.
"Tobacco products have been flooding our markets, frustrating government efforts to curb their misuse. This is why we decided to ban imports," Duale said.
"The weakest link in our crackdown, especially on products like shisha, remains graft within enforcement agencies," Duale said.
Furthermore, the CS said that the government is in the process of engineering more sophisticated graphic health warning signs that will clearly outline the health implications of consuming tobacco.
“What’s even more worrying is the growing vulnerability of our youth, who are being lured into addiction through cheap, accessible products. We must act decisively,” Duale added.
On the other hand, members of the committee, who strongly expressed their support for the CS, stressed the need for the ministry to work jointly with county governments and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) to ensure the full execution of anti-tobacco campaigns.
“We recognize that players in the tobacco industry may oppose these stringent measures due to the potential financial losses. But for us, the health of Kenyans comes first. The ministry has our full backing,” said the committee’s chair, Samuel Chepkong’a.
The announcement comes two months after the ministry suspended all existing licences for nicotine and tobacco products, including the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, and promotion of these products.
In a statement on Saturday, May 31, the health CS had issued a 21-day ultimatum to all entities that were previously licensed to deal with these products to reapply so as to continue with operations.
“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 said.
