Health CS Aden Duale at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital on May 31, 2025
More than 5.5 tonnes of illicit products seized at the Eldoret International Airport were destroyed at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital incinerator, as Health CS Aden Duale led activities to mark the No Tobacco Day.
Duale presided over the destruction of the illicit products, which were imported through the airport.
He said the products were cheap, unregulated and dangerous.
They included shisha and flavoured cigarettes seized at the airport over the last six months.
Duale said the destruction was not just disposal but also a declaration that Kenya will not be a dumping ground for toxic substances.
"If it was happening before, it will not happen under my leadership.”
"Kenya is a signatory to the WHO protocols to eliminate illicit tobacco products.
Our enforcement to eliminate illicit tobacco products is a legal and moral duty that must be undertaken,” the CS said.
The government had invested heavily in border surveillance and port health to keep threats of infiltration of illegal products out of the country.
Duale said health security was a national security issue and that the illicit products target the youth who end up consuming toxic chemicals that damage their brains and their future.
“This is not about lifestyle choices, but they are instruments of harm and we can not afford complicity. We must act to protect our children, our health system and our future.”
The CS suspended with immediate effect all existing licenses and import clearance related to the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, or promotion of nicotine and related products.
All persons and entities previously licensed are required to reapply within 21 days by submitting full compliance documentation.
“We are going to do very thorough compliance vetting. It’s not going to be business as usual,” Duale said.
He said there must be accountability for everything brought into the country and that no one had the luxury of destroying the lives of young people.
CS Duale reiterated the ban on Shisha, saying the ministry acted as per the Tobacco Control Act of 2007 and other applicable laws.
He said those given the responsibility to protect the health of Kenyans must do it with dedication.
“We will do it morally and within the confines of the Health Act.”
Duale said the overall intent was to build a healthier, safer and stronger country.
The event was held as part of activities to commemorate the No Tobacco Day, with the national celebrations held at Uasin Gishu Primary School in Eldoret.
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