KENYA SUSPENDS NICOTINE PRODUCT LICENSES
The Ministry of Health has suspended all existing licenses and import clearances related to the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, or promotion of nicotine and related products with immediate effect.
All persons or entities previously licensed are required to reapply within 21 days, submitting full compliance documentation for consideration. The decision announced by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale is anchored on the Tobacco Control Act, 2007 and other applicable laws.
Duale also led the destruction of 5.5 tonnes of harmful products, including shisha, gutkha, and flavoured e-cigarettes at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, as part of events to mark World No Tobacco Day. The Cabinet Secretary also signed a gazette notice introducing 17 new graphic images that will be on tobacco and nicotine products to act as deterrents for users.
The event underscores Kenyaโs position as a signatory to Article 5.3 of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, reaffirming the countryโs commitment to enforcing the Tobacco Control Act as both a legal and moral duty.
Duale commended the Border Management Committee, comprising among others Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Immigration, Security agencies, and Port Health for their vigilance in intercepting harmful imports.
