Health Ministry calls for strict enforcement of Shisha ban
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa echoed these concerns, highlighting the devastating impact of drug abuse on young people.
The Ministry of Health has urged county governments and security agencies to intensify the enforcement of the shisha ban, citing its significant strain on Kenya's healthcare system due to the rising burden of related diseases.
Speaking during a media briefing, Director General of Health Patrick Amoth emphasised the dangers of shisha, noting that the ban was necessary due to the surge in narcotics and the heavy toll on the country's healthcare infrastructure.
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"We urge counties and security forces to step up enforcement efforts to curb the growing health crisis caused by shisha use," he stated.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa echoed these concerns, highlighting the devastating impact of drug abuse on young people.
"It is heartbreaking to watch children drown in narcotics. Shisha smoking not only interferes with their physical and mental well-being but also has long-term consequences on their health," she said.
Shisha smoking has been linked to severe respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and exposure to toxic chemicals. Studies indicate that a single shisha session can expose users to more carbon monoxide and toxic substances than cigarette smoking. These risks led to Kenya's initial ban on shisha in 2017, which outlawed its manufacture, importation, sale, and use.
Globally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that shisha smoking contributes to rising cases of lung disease, heart complications, and cancer.
Reports show that it is responsible for thousands of deaths annually, and its popularity among young people fuels long-term health risks. In Kenya, medical professionals have observed an increase in cases of lung infections, chronic bronchitis, and other complications linked to prolonged shisha use.
The Ministry of Health reiterated that its role is to provide policy guidance and ensure that enforcement agencies act swiftly to protect public health. As authorities continue efforts to curb the use of shisha, the government remains firm in its stance against substances that endanger lives and overburden healthcare systems.
Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable deaths both globally and in Kenya. Each year, tobacco is responsible for more than 8 million deaths worldwide. Over 7 million of these deaths result from direct tobacco use, while around 1.3 million are due to non-smokers being exposed to secondhand smoke.
Annually, about 12,000 individuals in Kenya die from tobacco smoking. Between 2012 and 2021, Kenya recorded 60,228 deaths attributed to tobacco-related diseases.
Respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, malignant cancers, tuberculosis, and cardiovascular diseases collectively accounted for 16.5% of deaths among individuals aged 35 years and older.
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