Ministry launches crackdown on Shisha outlets in Nairobi

The Ministry of Health has begun a crackdown on illegal shisha outlets in Nairobi.

The Division of Drug and Substance Abuse Control, within the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards at the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with a muti-agency team of law enforcement agencies, began the operations during the weekend.

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni noted, “This operation is a critical step in our ongoing efforts to enforce the national shisha ban and safeguard public health. During this weekend's operation, several offenders were arrested, and multiple shisha delivery systems were impounded”.

Those taken into custody are set to be arraigned in court as the ministry vows to intensify the exercise.

“Operations to enforce the shisha ban will continue countrywide until this ban is upheld to the fullest,” she added. 

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The public is urged to report any illegal outlet to relevant authorities to eliminate violations of the Shisha ban.

The crackdown began after the ministry vowed to work with relevant stakeholders to crack down on users.

“The Ministry of Health, together with other Government Agencies, remain committed to enforcing this ban and urges all Kenyans to comply. We also call on law enforcement agencies to strengthen surveillance and take action against those violating this law,” stated PS Muthoni in February.

The use and circulation of the product were prohibited in 2017 under the Public Health (Control of Shisha Smoking) Rules.

However, the product is still widely circulated across the country majorly used in entertainment joints.