NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Health has issued a fresh reminder that the ban on shisha smoking, which was enacted in 2017, remains in full effect.
The government is urging citizens to comply with the law as authorities intensify enforcement efforts.
The ban, enforced under the Public Health (Control of Shisha Smoking) Rules, prohibits the manufacture, importation, sale, and consumption of shisha across the country.
Violators risk fines of up to Sh50,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both, as stipulated in Section 163 of the Public Health Act.
In a statement, the Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the ban alongside other government agencies.
“We urge all Kenyans to comply and call on law enforcement agencies to strengthen surveillance and take action against those violating this law,” the ministry stated.
SHISHA BAN IN KENYA REMAINS IN FORCE
Health Risks Drive Ban
Shisha, a flavoured tobacco smoked through a water pipe, has been linked to severe health risks, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and exposure to harmful toxins.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that a typical one-hour shisha session exposes users to the equivalent of inhaling smoke from 100 cigarettes.
“These risks prompted the government to take decisive action,” the Health Ministry noted, stressing that prevention is better than cure. “We appeal to the public to prioritise their health and that of their loved ones.”
Legal Battles and Continued Violations
Despite legal challenges, the ban has withstood court scrutiny.
In 2018, both the High Court and the Court of Appeal upheld the prohibition.
Most recently, on December 23, 2024, the Court of Appeal reaffirmed the ban, ruling that public health concerns outweigh commercial interests.
Kenya was among the first East African nations to outlaw shisha, following similar bans in Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. However, enforcement remains a challenge.
The product is still widely available in upmarket nightclubs, where it remains popular among socialites and sports personalities.
Authorities now face the task of tightening surveillance and cracking down on defiant businesses to ensure full compliance with the law.
