By Dorothy Musyoka
The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed that the ban on shisha remains in full effect, following a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal upholding the prohibition.
The ban, first enacted in 2017 under the Public Health (Control of Shisha Smoking) Rules, prohibits the manufacture, importation, sale, and use of shisha in Kenya.
According to the ministry of health, shisha smoking has been linked to severe health risks, including respiratory diseases, heart complications, and exposure to harmful toxins.
“The Mistry of Health wishes to remind all Kenyans that the ban on Shisha remains in full effect.This prohibition, enacted in 2017 under the Public Health (Control of Shisha Smoking) Rules, outlaws the manufacture, importation, sale, and use of Shisha in Kenya,” stated MOH.
The Ministry of Health, alongside other government agencies, remains committed to enforcing the ban and urges all Kenyans to comply. Additionally, law enforcement agencies have been called upon to intensify surveillance and take legal action against individuals or businesses violating the regulation.
Principal Secretary for Health, Mary Muthoni Muriuki, CBS, urged the public to prioritize their health.
“We appeal to the public to prioritize their health and that of their loved ones. Prevention is better than cure, let us work together to keep Kenya safe and healthy,” remarked the PS.
This comes after the ban faced a legal challenge in 2018, where both the High Court (2018) and the Court of Appeal (December 23, 2024) ruled in favor of maintaining the prohibition, emphasizing that public health must take priority over commercial interests