Duale urges Senators to pass tough laws regulating unsafe substances

Health CS Aden Duale before the National Assembly's Health committee to consider Budget Estimates FY 2025/26 at Parliament buildings, Nairobi. May 14th,2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has told the Senate there are no existing laws to regulate the use of miraa and shisha urging Parliament to enact legislation to enable the government to control their usage.

Appearing before the Senate Delegated Legislation Committee during deliberations on the Graphic Health Warnings for Tobacco Products, Legal Notice No 107 of 2025, Duale asked Senators to use the Tobacco Control Amendment Bill to introduce the necessary laws.

He also revealed that powerful individuals have attempted to pressure the Health Ministry into allowing harmful tobacco products into the country, but stressed it was the responsibility of all arms of government to ensure this does not happen.

"The Ministry of Health fully supports the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill sponsored by Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma. We have already submitted our proposed amendments and call on all senators to back the Bill," said Health CS.

Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki had asked what the government was doing to regulate miraa, muguka and shisha, which he noted are as harmful as tobacco.

Duale said miraa and muguka do not fall under his ministry but urged senators to support amendments to the Tobacco Control Bill, now in its second reading, promising to lobby for its passage.

He cautioned that stakeholders in the tobacco industry would attempt to influence senators to reject the Bill, but urged them to put Kenyans' health first, noting that users of these harmful products suffer long-term health effects.

"Since I am not looking for votes, I will personally lobby for the passage of the Tobacco Control Bill. We cannot allow Kenyans to keep dying from cancers linked to long-term use of harmful tobacco products," said Duale.

Senator Mumma raised concern that some harmful tobacco products have been in the market for eight years, disguised with flavours to lure users. She called for a restructuring of the Tobacco Control Board, saying it had failed to protect Kenyans.

Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo said regulating the tobacco industry is crucial, noting that citizens spend huge sums treating cancers and other illnesses caused by harmful substances over the years.