Government suspends tobacco licences in crackdown on youth nicotine use

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. [File, Standard]

Kenya has suspended all licences for the manufacture, importation, sale and promotion of nicotine products, ordering vendors to reapply within 21 days under stricter conditions.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the directive during World No Tobacco Day on May 31, as 5.5 tonnes of seized tobacco-related products were destroyed at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.

The destroyed goods included shisha, gutkha and flavoured e-cigarettes.

"This action is not symbolic; it is regulatory. Every player in this industry must now comply afresh with the law," said Duale.

He noted that the targeted products are deliberately designed to attract young users, using flavours, digital marketing and deceptive packaging.

"These products are designed to trap our youth. They deliver harmful chemicals that destroy the brain and lungs," noted Duale.

The order takes effect immediately and is grounded in the Tobacco Control Act, 2007. Reapplication requires full compliance documentation or risk permanent licence revocation.

Duale, who was accompanied by Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, praised the Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, Immigration, Port Health and security agencies for intercepting harmful imports.

He also commended Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for safely destroying the products.

Eight civil society organisations under the Kenya Tobacco and Nicotine Tax Coalition backed the move and urged Parliament to amend the Tobacco Control Act to tighten regulation.

"This year's theme, 'Unmasking the Appeal,' exposes how industries manipulate our children using flavours, colourful packaging and digital platforms," noted the coalition.

Duale urged Kenyans to support the crackdown, calling the fight against tobacco addiction both a legal duty and a moral obligation.