Aasai

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has led the destruction of over 5.5 tonnes of illicit tobacco products seized at Eldoret International Airport, warning that Kenya will no longer tolerate the smuggling and sale of toxic substances. The destruction, held at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital incinerator, marked this year’s No Tobacco Day commemorations.

Among the confiscated goods were shisha and flavored cigarettes intercepted over the past six months. Duale described them as unregulated, cheap, and dangerous, especially targeting the youth. He emphasized that health security is a national security issue and vowed that Kenya will not serve as a dumping ground for harmful products.

In a bold move, the CS suspended all existing licenses for the manufacture, importation, distribution, and sale of nicotine-related products. He ordered all affected parties to reapply within 21 days, warning that strict compliance checks will be enforced.

 Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the WHO protocols, Duale said the crackdown is both a legal and moral duty. “We must protect our children, our health system, and our future,” he declared, urging public health officers to uphold their responsibility with integrity and patriotism.