A reveller smokes shisha at a bar.
The Ministry of Health has reminded Kenyans that the ban on shisha smoking remains in full force, warning businesses and individuals against violating the law.
Health Principal Secretary, Mary Muthoni Muriuki, said the ban enacted in 2017 under the Public Health (Control of Shisha Smoking) Rules outlaws the manufacture, importation, sale and use of shisha in Kenya.
The ban, which faced legal challenges in 2018, was upheld by the High Court and later reaffirmed by the Court of Appeal on December 23, 2024. The courts ruled that public health concerns must take precedence over commercial interests.
The government maintains that shisha smoking poses serious health risks including respiratory diseases, heart conditions and exposure to toxic chemicals.
“Shisha is banned and when you start enjoying it in any facility, know that you're committing a crime. The Ministry of Health, together with other government agencies, remains committed to enforcing this ban and urges all Kenyans to comply,” stated PS Muriuki.
The ministry also called on law enforcement agencies to strengthen surveillance and take action against those found violating the ban.
According to Section 163 of the Public Health Act, violators risk a fine of up to Sh50,000, imprisonment for up to six months or both.
Health experts have long warned of the dangers associated with shisha smoking, linking it to increased cases of lung infections, heart diseases, and cancer. Despite this, illegal shisha joints have continued to operate in some urban centers with authorities conducting periodic crackdowns.
She was speaking in Bahati, Nakuru County, during the graduation ceremony of 800 TVET students from different vocational courses.
