Shisha. Photo | courtesy.
The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed that the ban on Shisha smoking, implemented in 2017, remains in full force. This comes even as more reports surface indicating that there is a widespread use of the banned shisha.
Enforced under the Public Health (Control of Shisha Smoking) Rules, the ban prohibits the manufacture, importation, sale and use of Shisha nationwide.
According to Section 163 of the Public Health Act, violators risk a fine of up to Sh50,000, imprisonment for up to six months or both.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with other government agencies, remains committed to enforcing the Shisha ban and urges all Kenyans to comply.
“We call on law enforcement agencies to enhance surveillance and take action against those violating this law,” the Ministry stated.
Emphasizing the importance of prevention, the Ministry urged citizens to prioritize their health and adhere to the regulations.
“We appeal to the public to safeguard their well-being and that of their loved ones. Prevention is always better than cure—let’s work together to keep Kenya safe and healthy.”
Shisha, a flavored tobacco smoked through a water pipe, poses significant health risks, including respiratory diseases, heart conditions and exposure to toxic chemicals.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that a single one-hour shisha smoking session can expose users to as much smoke as 100 cigarettes.
Citing public health as the top priority, MoH stated that these risks necessitated decisive government action.
Although the ban faced a legal challenge in 2018, both the High Court and the Court of Appeal upheld it.
Most recently, on December 23, 2024, the Court of Appeal reaffirmed the prohibition, with judges stressing that public health must take precedence over commercial interests.
In 2017, Kenya became the fourth East African country to ban shisha, following Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.
However, despite the ban, shisha remains widely available in the country, particularly in upscale nightclubs and continues to be popular among socialites and athletes.
