Kenya: Authorities strengthen enforcement of shisha ban

The Kenyan Ministry of Health, through its Drug and Addiction Control Division, conducted a coordinated operation with law enforcement agencies in several illegal hookah establishments in Nairobi this weekend of April 12 and 13, 2025.[1]Several people were arrested and hookah smoking devices were seized. The country's goal is to eventually eliminate hookah completely, even though it has been banned since 2017.

Strong commitment from authorities to enforce the ban

The operation, carried out by the Drug and Addiction Control Division in collaboration with a multi-agency team of law enforcement officers, resulted in the arrest of several people and the seizure of hookah devices.

In a statement, Principal Secretary for Health Mary Muriuki stressed that this operation marks a key step in the enforcement of the hookah ban. She added that the controls would continue nationwide until the ban is fully enforced. The Ministry of Health remains committed to protecting the health of our citizens and will work tirelessly to eliminate violations of this ban. " she said[2].

She also called on the public to report any illegal outlets to protect the health of young people and future generations. Those arrested were brought to court for immediate trial.

High public health stakes in a fragile country

Shisha, also called hookah or water pipe, is a method of smoking tobacco in which smoke is passed through water before being inhaled. The tobacco is flavored with often very sweet flavors such as fruit, but also mint or spicy flavors.

This popular smoking habit among young people is known for its significant health risks. Smoking shisha poses serious health risks, including respiratory complications, heart problems, and exposure to harmful toxins.[3]According to the WHO, a single hookah or shisha session has the same impact on health as smoking 20 or 30 cigarettes.

This is why Kenya implemented a complete ban on shisha in 2017 under the Public Health (Control of Shisha Consumption) Regulations within the Public Health Act. This ban covers the use, importation, manufacture, sale, offer for sale, advertising, promotion, distribution, encouragement, or facilitation of its use.[4].

Despite the ban, shisha remains widely used and sold in the country, primarily in entertainment venues such as nightclubs. Tobacco use is on the rise among young people in Kenya, raising growing public health concerns. According to the World Health Organization, smoking rates in the country—particularly among young people—are among the highest in Africa, with 36% of young Kenyans using tobacco, compared to 11% of adults.[5]. Furthermore, a recent study conducted on the Kenyan coast reveals that nearly a third of university students are active users of shisha.[6].

Overall, Kenya remains a country highly susceptible to the influence of the tobacco industry despite its progress in public health. Although the country ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) on June 25, 2004, it is regularly targeted by Philip Morris, which is seeking to market its nicotine pouches there, popular with young people, or even by British American Tobacco (BAT), which is seeking to relax regulations on tobacco and nicotine products there. Appeals against public health legislation have been filed by cigarette companies, which were recently rejected by the Kenyan Supreme Court in November 2024.[7]Finally, cigarette manufacturers are also being singled out for their tax evasion and smuggling practices, which are weakening the country's economy.

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[1]KNA, No smoke, No joke: Authorities double down on Shisha ban, The Star, published April 14, 2025, accessed April 15, 2025

[2]Olage Martin, Nairobi Authorities Ramp Up Enforcement of Shisha Ban, Mwakilishi.com, published April 14, 2025, accessed April 15, 2025

[3]Mutabasi Rachael, State launches crackdown on illegal shisha outlets in Nairobi, The Eastleigh Voice, published April 14, 2025, accessed April 15, 2025

[4]Wanga Sharon, Ministry launches crackdown on Shisha outlets in Nairobi, The Standard, published April 14, 2025, accessed April 15, 2025

[5]Tobacco Control Board – Kenya, Tobacco use among the Kenyan youth alarmingly high, published June 9, 2022, accessed April 15, 2025

[6]Halima Allahdad A, Ngari M, Mwiti Kibiti C, Udu Yusuf R, Mutua S, Budambula V, Shisha Consumption and Presence of Cotinine in Saliva Samples among Students in Public Universities in Coastal Kenya, Global Health Epidemioly and Genomics, published August 21, 2024, accessed April 14, 2025

[7]Tobacco-free generation, Kenya's Supreme Court upholds anti-smoking laws in defeat for tobacco industry, published December 1, 2024, accessed April 15, 2025

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