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The Kenyan government has introduced a ban on tobacco imports in a bid to address the growing problem of tobacco use among the youth.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the decision on Wednesday while addressing the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation. The ban is part of a wider strategy by the Ministry of Health to limit the availability and appeal of tobacco products within the country.
“Tobacco products have been flooding our markets, hindering efforts to curb their misuse. This ban is a crucial step in reversing that trend,” said Duale.
He highlighted that much of the imported tobacco comes from East Asia and continues to infiltrate the Kenyan market despite existing regulatory controls.
The announcement came as the committee reviewed the Graphic Health Warnings for Tobacco Products Regulations, 2025, which mandates that cigarette packaging feature clear, image-based warnings about the health risks of smoking.
Duale expressed concern over the rising number of young people becoming addicted to tobacco, pointing out that the affordability and availability of tobacco products are particularly harmful to the youth.
“Globally, tobacco-related illnesses cause eight million deaths annually, with 1.2 million of those deaths involving non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke. We must take strong action to protect our youth,” he warned.
The Health Cabinet Secretary also pointed to corruption within enforcement agencies as a major hurdle in the fight against tobacco use, particularly with the continued availability of shisha despite legal bans.
“The issue isn’t the law, but rather enforcement. Corruption among officials is the weakest link in our efforts,” he noted.
The Ministry of Health hopes that the new graphic health warnings will increase awareness of tobacco’s dangers, including its links to cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues.
Committee chairperson Samuel Chepkong’a expressed full support for the Ministry’s efforts, acknowledging the challenge of balancing public health priorities with economic interests.
“While the tobacco industry may resist these measures due to financial losses, the health of Kenyans must take priority. We fully back the Ministry’s approach,” said Chepkong’a.
Vice chairperson Robert Gichimu emphasized the need for stronger collaboration with the **National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA)** and county governments to ensure the effectiveness of anti-tobacco programs.
“We support the graphic warnings, but without better partnerships, particularly at the county level, the impact will be limited,” Gichimu said.
Kilgoris MP Julius Sunkuli praised the Ministry for revitalizing enforcement of existing tobacco control laws, calling the renewed focus on implementation long overdue.
“The legislation has always been in place; the real challenge has been enforcement. It is commendable that the CS is reinvigorating these critical laws,” Sunkuli concluded.
