Kenya reaffirms shisha ban over health risks
Kenya’s government has reminded the public that the ban on shisha is still in place.
The Ministry of Health says smoking shisha is dangerous and has serious health risks.
Shisha is flavored tobacco smoked through a water pipe. The ban was first introduced in 2017 under the Public Health Rules. It made it illegal to manufacture, sell, or use shisha in the country.
On Monday, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the government is committed to enforcing the ban.
She urged law enforcement officers to deal with those breaking the law and warned Kenyans to stop using shisha.
The ban was challenged in court in 2018, but the High Court and Court of Appeal upheld it in December 2024. Judges ruled that public health is more important than business interests.
Despite the ban, shisha is still widely available, especially in entertainment spots.
According to the government, work is ongoing in collaboration with different agencies to stop its circulation and protect public health.
