Government set to ban shisha smoking

The government is set to ban shisha smoking in Kenya if a legal notice circulating online is anything to go by. This comes a time when former NACADA chairman John Mututho and the Leader of Majority in Parliament Aden Duale have asked the government to follow the example of Rwanda, which banned shisha a fortnight ago.

The legal notice, which is yet to be signed by the Cabinet Secretary for Health Dr Cleopa Mailu, states that “’shisha’ includes tobacco products that may be flavoured that are consumed using a single or multi-stemmed smoking instrument that contains water or other liquid through which the smoke passes before reaching the smoke and whose syrup tobacco content includes molasses, honey, vegetable glycerol and fruit flavours including apple, grape, guava, lemon and mint.”

“No person shall import, manufacture, sell, offer for sale, use, advertise, promote or distribute shisha in Kenya,” reads the notice. “No person shall allow, promote, facilitate or encourage, or do anything to allow, promote, facilitate or encourage shisha smoking in Kenya.”

Mututho argues that shisha can be easily adulterated with cannabis and heroin, alluding to a study conducted by the University of Nairobi which found out that shisha has traces of opiates, an addictive substance that dulls the sensesand induces a false and unrealistic sense of contentment.

Rwanda followed neighbouring Tanzania in banning shisha on the grounds that it is addictive, dangerous and damaging to human lives. Tanzania issued the ban in July last year over concerns of links with drug or alcohol abuse.

“Little is known about the composition of shisha consumed locally, especially the possibility of adulterated with prohibited substances,” said Mututho as quoted by the Star. “While all the samples tested negative for marijuana and cocaine, they all tested positive for opiates.”

Mailu told The Star on Thursday that discussions on the ban, with various government departments, were ongoing.

“We are contemplating banning shisha … we will definitely do that,” he said by phone.

“We are in discussions with the Attorney General (Githu Muigai) on developing the legislation. The document being circulated online was probably being prepared for my signature but it’s not final and we are not yet there.”

On his side, Duale, through a tweet, said that Kenya needs to emulate Rwanda and ban shisha smoking.

READ: Why Itumbi and Co. are going nowhere

Recently, NACADA also raised concern on the emergence of electronically charged shisha hookers, a pen-like device with a refiner that can be smoked anywhere without being noticed.

Mombasa County Government early this month conducted a clampdown on shisha smoking in the county. According to the County Health Chief Officer Dr Khadija Shikely, shisha smoking is lethal than cigarette.

“One gulp of shisha is equivalent to smoking 10 sticks of cigarette. It is a health hazard that has to be eradicated immediately,” she said.

The legal notice points out that where ‘a penalty has not been expressly provided for under the provision of the act’, the penalty contemplated under section 163 of the Public Health Act shall apply to any person who contravenes the provision of the rules.

Shisha smoking is common in many Arab countries and in Tanzania was traditionally an activity associated with Arab or Asian groups.

However, as in Europe, it has grown in popularity across society in recent years.

Here is the “leaked” legal notice:

 

Doctors say there is a “misconception” that shishas are not as harmful as cigarettes and the British Heart Foundation says an hour-long shisha session can be the equivalent of smoking more than 100 cigarettes.

“Traditionally shisha tobacco contains cigarette tobacco, so like cigarettes it contains nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide and heavy metals, such as arsenic and lead,” it says.

“As a result, shisha smokers are at risk of the same kinds of diseases as cigarette smokers, such as heart disease, cancer, respiratory disease and problems during pregnancy.”

– Additional reporting by BBC. 

Latest

Navigating Forex Markets: The Top 10 Forex Brokers of 2023

Selecting the right broker from the top 10 forex brokers of 2023 can significantly impact your trading success.

Whipped and Stripped! A Survivor’s Tale of Harrowing Brutality in a Mental Hospital

The lack of a long-term vision and inadequate resourcing of mental hospital infrastructures continues to take a toll on Kenya’s mentally ill patients.

Dubai Agency Picks Top Influencer Marketers to Lead Kenyan Operation

This strategic move is in line with indaHash vision to cement its presence in Africa, following its impactful footprint in South Africa since 2017 and successful collaborations with clients like the South African Tourism Board.

SportPesa to reward Customers in Cash-Filled Festive Promotion

Running from December 4th to 25th, the SportPesa campaign promises daily excitement with six lucky winners expected to walk away with Ksh5,000 daily.

Follow Us

Newsletter

Don't miss

Tusker Oktobafest Rolls East African Cultures into One

From regional events across Kenya to inaugural gatherings in Uganda and Tanzania, and the Tusker Oktobafest grand finale in Nairobi, the festival harmonized traditions, celebrated diversity, and highlighted the rich cultural tapestry of the East African culture

Lupita’s Little Brother Junior Nyong’o Charting His Own Path in Acting

Junior Nyongó, who is also a musician and a DJ and now a graduate of UC San Diego with an MFA in Acting, is crafting his own solid path in the world of acting with roles in major theatre productions.

Safaricom To Power Tusker OktobaFest Beer Festival

Safaricom’s involvement in OktobaFest as a technology and payments partner will focus on fostering seamless in-festival connectivity, empowering the youth and Gen Z community through Safaricom Hook, and powering digital payments through M-PESA.

Music Producers Launch Organization To Streamline Recording Industry

Recording Industry of Kenya (RIKE) was launched on 9th October 2023. Registered in 2022 as a not-for-profit organization, RIKE aims to promote the collective interests of producers of sound recordings in the country.

Nairobi’s Hero Bar Listed Among World’s 50 Best Bars

World Best Bars: Hero Bar in Nairobi continues to climb the list, moving up six places to No.62 and Johannesburg’s Sin + Tax comes in at No.94. Dubai new entry Ergo is at No.69 and Melbourne’s Byrdi has re-entered the list at No.61.

Kenyan DJs Face Off In Smirnoff Battle Of The Beats Season 3

The Smirnoff Battle of the Beats Season 3, a DJ competition, is poised to unleash an unprecedented musical frenzy countrywide.

The Highs And Lows Of Betty Kyallo, Sisters Show As Season 2 Ends

Kyallo Kulture has always been, above all, about sisterhood, and in Season 2 we have witnessed the charm of it - the ups that gave us wholesome moments as the sisters led by Betty Kyallo spent time together.

DStv Beats CNN, BBC To Become Most Admired Media Outlet In Africa

DStv, MultiChoice Group’s leading broadcast service, has been named...

MultiChoice Revises Subscription Fees For DStv, GOtv

MultiChoice has announced price adjustments on some of their...

Octopizzo: How I Make My Money

"I've been doing this for 12, 13 years. It reaches a point where you no longer need to prove that you can make a hit record," he stated.
FRANCIS MULI
FRANCIS MULIhttp://www.businesstoday.co.ke
Editor and writer, Francis Muli has a passion for human interest stories. He holds a BSc in Communication and Journalism from Moi University and has worked for various organisations including Kenya Television Service. Email:[email protected]

Navigating Forex Markets: The Top 10 Forex Brokers of 2023

Selecting the right broker from the top 10 forex brokers of 2023 can significantly impact your trading success.

Whipped and Stripped! A Survivor’s Tale of Harrowing Brutality in a Mental Hospital

The lack of a long-term vision and inadequate resourcing of mental hospital infrastructures continues to take a toll on Kenya’s mentally ill patients.

Dubai Agency Picks Top Influencer Marketers to Lead Kenyan Operation

This strategic move is in line with indaHash vision to cement its presence in Africa, following its impactful footprint in South Africa since 2017 and successful collaborations with clients like the South African Tourism Board.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here