Kenya Cracks Down on Nicotine: Nationwide Ban and Public Destruction of Tobacco

Kenya Bans Nicotine Products: 5 Tonnes Destroyed in Eldoret Eldoret, Kenya – In a significant move to curb tobacco use, Kenya's Ministry of Health has suspended all licenses for importing, manufacturing, distributing, selling, and promoting nicotine products. The announcement comes on World No Tobacco Day, with the symbolic destruction of five tonnes of confiscated tobacco and shisha products in Eldoret serving as a stark visual representation of the government's commitment to the ban. Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, stated, "We are going to do a very serious compliance vetting system." He explained that license holders have a 21-day window to reapply for their licenses after a thorough vetting process. The destruction of the seized goods at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret was a key part of the World No Tobacco Day activities. This year's theme focuses on exposing industry tactics related to tobacco and nicotine products. The ban includes flavored tobacco and nicotine products impounded by KRA Customs since 2021. This decisive action by the Kenyan government signals a strong stance against tobacco use and its associated health risks, setting a positive example for other nations in the fight against this public health issue.