NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has imposed an outright ban on tobacco imports, a drastic measure aimed at combating the rising rates of tobacco addiction, particularly among the youth.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale made the announcement on Wednesday while addressing the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation, framing the move as part of a broader national effort to reduce the availability and appeal of tobacco products.
“Tobacco products have been flooding our markets, frustrating efforts to control their misuse. This ban is a critical intervention to reverse that trend,” said Duale.
The Health Ministry’s data shows that a large share of tobacco imports originates from East Asia, with many products reaching Kenyan consumers despite existing regulatory controls.
Graphic Warnings and Stricter Regulation
Duale appeared before the committee as it reviewed the Proposed Graphic Health Warnings for Tobacco Products Regulations, 2025 — a new directive requiring cigarette packaging to include vivid, image-based warnings on the health risks of smoking.
“Globally, eight million people die every year from tobacco-related illnesses. Alarmingly, 1.2 million of these are non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke. We must act decisively to protect our youth,” he warned.
The CS expressed particular concern about the increasing number of young Kenyans falling into tobacco use, driven by the accessibility of cheap and often illicit products.
He also pointed to corruption within enforcement agencies as a major stumbling block in tobacco control, noting the continued availability of banned products such as shisha.
“Our biggest challenge isn’t the law — it’s enforcement. Corrupt officers are the weakest link in the crackdown,” Duale noted.
Parliament Backs the Ban
Committee Chairperson Samuel Chepkong’a welcomed the ban and the proposed graphic warnings, stating that public health must override economic interests.
“Yes, the tobacco industry may resist these measures due to financial losses, but for us, the health of Kenyans takes precedence. The Ministry has our full support,” Chepkong’a said.
Committee Vice Chair Robert Gichimu emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the Health Ministry, NACADA, and county governments to ensure that anti-tobacco laws are enforced effectively.
“We fully support the graphic warnings, but without stronger partnerships, especially at county level, the impact will be minimal,” Gichimu added.
Kilgoris MP Julius Sunkuli commended the Ministry for reviving long-overdue enforcement of tobacco control laws that had remained largely dormant.
“The legislation has been there; the missing link has always been implementation. It is commendable that the CS is breathing new life into these critical laws,” said Sunkuli.
The Ministry of Health hopes that with the combined effect of the import ban, graphic health warnings, and renewed enforcement, Kenya will see a significant reduction in tobacco-related illnesses and deaths.
