By Ngumbao Kithi

From Monday, smokers in Mombasa will have to think twice before they enjoy their puff.

The municipal council ban on public smoking comes to effect on Monday, and those who violate it face a six-month jail term or a fine of Sh50,000 or both.

Despite the highly publicised ban, several places are yet to come up with zones for smokers and non-smokers.

"After giving the warning one month ago, we are ready to implement the ban and anybody who fails to respect the law will be arrested and taken to court," said the council Chief Public Health Officer Josphat Maithya.

The council has also formed a taskforce of four experts to give court summons to owners of public facilities who have failed to create room for smokers and non-smokers.

Mr Maithya said members of the taskforce would tour Mombasa, Kisauni, Changamwe and Likoni to inspect compliance to the new smoking rules.

"From Monday (today), members of the team from the health department and city inspectorate will visit business premises and those without the designated places for smokers and non-smokers will be summoned to appear in court," he said.

Maithya asked to the public to comply or face the law.

"We are going to fight and people who fail to respect the Tobacco Act 2007 will face the wrath of the law," he said.

Maithya said the council had been prompted to take the move to ensure safety of Kenyans.

"The four taskforce members will give court summons that are complete with the court charges and ask the members of the public to report to court," he said.

Maithya added: "Smoking zones have been set aside at public gardens like the Makadara grounds, Mama Ngina Drive, Uhuru Gardens and other open places."

But some residents claimed the council had not made serious arrangements to stop smoking in public places.

Mr Mohammed Omar, a resident, said in other towns, clearly designated smoking zones had been put up, but this has not happened in Mombasa.

Maithya, however, maintained the council had set aside smoking zones in the open places and anybody who violated the rule would face the law.

He said the council would deal firmly with residents who smoke carelessly to ensure the town was safe from cigarette menace.