The Government has intensified crackdown on electronic cigarettes (vapes) and Shisha products, amid growing concerns that their increasing use is contributing to the rising burden of respiratory diseases in the country.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary (PS), Mary Muthoni, said the Ministry of Health is strengthening enforcement against the illegal importation, sale and use of the products, warning that many are being smuggled into Kenya through neighbouring countries in violation of existing laws.
Speaking in Thika, Kiambu County, after inspecting more than 17,000 packets of suspected counterfeit cigarettes seized from a homestead in the town last week, Muthoni said the government would not relent in protecting Kenyans from harmful and unregulated tobacco products.
“We are concerned by the increasing circulation of vapes, shisha and other tobacco products that are finding their way into the country illegally. Some of these products are not tested, are not regulated and pose serious health risks, particularly respiratory diseases,” she stressed.
The Principal Secretary urged cigarette manufacturers, importers and distributors to comply with the country’s health and safety regulations, stressing that public health must take precedence over commercial interests.
“Manufacturers and importers have a responsibility to ensure that every product released into the market, meets the required safety and regulatory standards. We will continue working with enforcement agencies to remove illegal products from circulation,” she added.
Muthoni said investigations are underway to establish the authenticity of the seized cigarettes and identify individuals involved in their importation, storage and distribution.
She warned that if laboratory tests confirm the products are counterfeit, they will be destroyed in accordance with the law and those found culpable prosecuted.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has also launched parallel investigations to determine whether the consignment complied with customs requirements, including payment of applicable taxes and the affixing of mandatory excise duty stamps.
The latest operation forms part of the government’s broader campaign to curb illicit tobacco trade and strengthen enforcement against unregulated nicotine products, as health experts continue to raise concern over the harmful effects of vaping and shisha smoking.
By Muoki Charles
