The Kenyan government is implementing stricter tobacco control measures, including graphic health warnings on packaging, to combat rising cancer rates and the spread of illicit products. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale highlighted the public health emergency posed by tobacco and nicotine use, linking it to powerful individuals who obstruct destruction of seized harmful substances.

• Graphic health warnings will cover 30 percent of the front and 50 percent of the rear of tobacco packaging.
• Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale revealed that forensic tests confirmed narcotic substances in products disguised as tobacco.
• The new regulations are expected to come into effect nine months from their publication date of June 12, 2025.

The Kenyan government has banned all imports of tobacco products to combat their misuse and widespread health issues, according to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.

• The ban was announced on Wednesday, July 30, during a session with the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation.
• Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale stated the ban is aimed at reducing the availability of tobacco and other nicotine-related products, like Shisha, particularly those originating unlawfully from countries such as China.
• This decision follows a previous suspension of all existing licenses for nicotine and tobacco products two months prior, on Saturday, May 31.