The government has reiterated that the 2017 ban on shisha remains in force, despite a recent court ruling declaring it unlawful.
Public Health PS Mary Muthoni, in a statement on Monday, emphasized that the manufacture, sale, and use of shisha are still prohibited under the Public Health (Control of Shisha Smoking) Rules.
She cited serious health risks, including respiratory diseases and heart conditions, as key reasons for maintaining the ban.
“We urge all Kenyans to comply with the law and prioritize their health and that of their loved ones. Prevention is better than cure—let us work together to keep Kenya safe and healthy,” Muthoni added.
This comes after a March 29 ruling by the Mombasa Shanzu Law Courts, which found the ban procedurally flawed, leading to the release of 48 people arrested for selling and smoking shisha.
However, the Court of Appeal upheld the ban in December 2024, prioritizing public health over commercial interests.
The Ministry of Health has pledged strict enforcement of the ban, urging law enforcement to crack down on violations and urging Kenyans to comply for their well-being.
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