Duale suspends all licenses, import clearances for nicotine products

Health CS Aden Duale during a briefing at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret. [MoH]

The Ministry of Health has suspended all existing licenses and import clearances related to the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, or promotion of nicotine and related products, effective immediately.

Speaking during the World No Tobacco Day event at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale directed all persons and entities previously licensed to handle nicotine products to reapply within 21 days and submit full compliance documentation for consideration.

"The Ministry of Health under the Tobacco Control Act 2007 and other applicable laws hereby suspends all existing licenses and import clearance related to the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale or promotion of nicotine and related products with immediate effect," said Duale.

He noted that the ministry will strictly enforce compliance, citing growing concerns over public health.

"We are going to do a serious compliance vetting system going forward. You must account for what you bring to our country. We will do our duty morally and within the confines of the Health Acts and the Constitution," he added.

Health CS Duale suspends all existing licences and import clearances for nicotine products with immediate effect; directs previously licensed entities to reapply within 21 days upon compliance. pic.twitter.com/NvS11c7e6w — The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) May 31, 2025

Duale also reaffirmed that the ban on the importation, manufacture, sale, and use of shisha remains firmly in place. The prohibition, enacted in 2017 under public health regulations, is still in force due to the serious health risks associated with shisha smoking.

"I reiterate the ban on shisha to curb the progression of drug use and safeguard our public health.”

He warned that shisha smoking poses serious health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and exposes users to toxic chemicals. While some perceive it as less harmful than cigarette smoking, experts warn that it carries significant health risks, especially among the youth.

Shisha smoke contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance that causes dependence and withdrawal symptoms, making it difficult to quit and increasing the risk of continued tobacco use, said the CS.

The CS also oversaw the destruction of 5.5 tonnes of seized illicit tobacco-related products, including shisha and vodka, confiscated at Eldoret International Airport. The products were destroyed at the MTRH incinerator.

He stated that the country will not be a dumping ground for toxic substances.

"These are not lifestyle choices, they are instruments of harm that target our youths and damage their lungs, brains, and future. We cannot afford complexity. Our enforcement of the tobacco control act is both legal and our moral duty," said Duale.

He added that the government has strengthened border surveillance and deployed port health officers to curb the illegal tobacco trade, which he described as a national security concern.