The Ministry of Health has reiterated that the 2017 ban on Shisha remains in force.
In a statement, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni reminded Kenyans that the manufacture, importation, sale, and use of shisha is prohibited in the country.
“The Ministry of Health wishes to remind all Kenyans that the ban on Shisha remains in full effect. This prohibition, enacted in 2017 under the Public Health (Control of Shisha Smoking),” the statement reads in part.
Shisha smoking has been linked to serious health risks, including respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and exposure to toxic chemicals.
These risks led to a legal challenge in 2018, but both the High Court (2018) and the Court of Appeal (23rd December 2024) upheld the ban, affirming that public health must take priority over commercial interests.
The ministry, in collaboration with other government agencies has pledged to continue enforcing the ban urging all Kenyans to comply.
“We also call on law enforcement agencies to strengthen surveillance and take action against those violating this law,” PS Muthoni stated.
“We appeal to the public to prioritize their health and that of their loved ones. Prevention is better than cure-let us work together to keep Kenya safe and healthy,” she added.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that a single hour of shisha smoking can expose an individual to the same amount of smoke as inhaling from 100 cigarettes.
Shisha contains cigarette tobacco meaning it contains harmful substances like nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and toxic metals such as arsenic and lead.
