The government will continue to accelerate enforcement on suppressing nicotine products to ensure public health aspects are respected in the country.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has said tobacco and drug abuse continues to wreak havoc in our communities, destroying lives and threatening public safety.
Speaking at Karucho, Kirinyaga County, during a stakeholder’s sensitisation workshop to rally collective action against this growing public health threat, Muthoni expressed the government’s commitment to working with local leaders, security agencies, faith-based institutions, and the 47 counties to strengthen prevention efforts, promote community education and support access to treatment and rehabilitation services.
“We cannot destroy the nation and our young people because of selfish interests; therefore, I want to state categorically that we will continue enforcing the law guarding the sale, manufacture and advertisement of all nicotine and tobacco-related products,” she emphasised.
The PS asked those engaging in nicotine product businesses to look inwardly and first think about the greater public good before even thinking about making money.
“Think about the many people who are dying of cancer because of you, the many children who have dropped out of school and those mothers whose children have been aborted because of you. Think before you sell that product to any Kenyan,” Muthoni added.
The PS also used the opportunity to highlight key benefits of The Quality of Care and Patient Safety Bill Of 2025, which is scheduled for public participation countrywide from 23rd to 26th June this year.
The Bill mandates the cabinet secretary for health to develop and enforce uniform national quality standards applicable across public, private and faith-based facilities.
It also establishes a legal basis for licensing, accreditation, inspection and categorisation of healthcare providers to promote continuous improvement and accountability.
In addition, the law seeks to introduce enforceable mechanisms for patient complaints and a redress mechanism ensuring transparency and responsiveness, as well as health care delivery.
“What I have heard on the ground is people coming to tell me their experiences in different facilities; that should be addressed and it will be in the upcoming law. I want to tell other members of the public to come and give their views because what we are seeking to bring forward is something to protect you,” she said.
The PS noted the Bill supports the realisation of the Constitution of Kenya, Article 43, and aligns with the global health standards that position Kenya to deliver universal health coverage with integrity and excellence, where every citizen deserves the right to available, accessible, acceptable and affordable quality health care.
“We have released the schedule for public participation in different parts of the country. We are calling upon each one of you; please come out in large numbers because this Bill is all about you, the patient, and your safety, and we must ensure good quality health care for every Kenyan,” she said.
By Mutai Kipngetich
