Duale oversees destruction of 5.5 tonnes of harmful tobacco products at MTRH

Health Cabinet Minister Aden Duale on Saturday supervised the destruction of 5.5 tonnes of harmful tobacco products at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).

The products included shisha, gutkha and flavoured e-cigarettes.

“The event reaffirmed our commitment to protecting the public, especially the youth, from the harms of tobacco and deceptive industry practice,” Duale said.

The exercise was done to mark the 2025 World No Tobacco Day.

“These substances, often targeted at our youth, are laced with toxic chemicals that damage the brain, lungs and overall health,” Duale noted.

He also stated that the ministry has, with immediate effect, suspended all existing licences and import permits for nicotine and related products.

“These substances, often targeted at our youth, are laced with toxic chemicals that damage the brain, lungs and overall health,” Duale noted.

He also stated that the ministry has, with immediate effect, suspended all existing licences and import permits for nicotine and related products.This, he explained, was done so as to protect Kenyans and uphold the ministry’s obligations under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

“All manufacturers, importers and distributors must reapply within 21 days and provide full compliance documentation,” he said.

Duale noted that the decisive action affirms the ministry’s commitment to enforcing the Tobacco Control Act, 2007 and eliminating illicit trade in tobacco.

At the same time, he commended the Border Management Committee, including Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Immigration, Port Health and security agencies, for their vigilance.

He also commended MTRH for supporting the safe disposal of these harmful products.

Duale was joined by PS Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), MTRH leadership, led by CEO Philip Kirwa, Senior Director for Administration and Finance Benjamin Tarus, Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea and the Tobacco Control Board Chairperson Naomi Shaban.

According to WHO, the 'World No Tobacco Day' informs the public on the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what the organisation is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic, and what people around the world can do to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations The 2025 theme was “Unmasking the appeal”.

Data by the health organisation states that an estimated 37 million children aged 13-15 years worldwide use tobacco