According to a report by The-star on February 28, the Kenyan government has announced a crackdown on illegal nicotine products and unauthorized drugs nationwide. Mary Muthoni, Chief Secretary of the Kenyan Ministry of Public Health, stated that this action will be carried out by a multi-departmental team, including the Tobacco Control Commission and the Drug and Poison Control Authority.
Musoni stated that there are many illegal nicotine products on the market that are destroying the lives of young people.
The Tobacco Control Committee and the Drug and Food Control Bureau will launch a large-scale crackdown to eliminate all illegal nicotine products, such as oral tobacco and e-cigarettes.
In August 2023, health advocates in Kenya have issued a warning about the resurgence of highly addictive nicotine products that were previously banned by the Ministry of Health. Four civil society organizations conducted an investigation in the capital city of Nairobi and found that these products do not comply with the Tobacco Control Act and its regulations. They are calling on the Ministry of Health to crack down on these products, including nicotine pouches that are widely sold in retail stores, as well as e-cigarette liquids, e-cigarettes, and various forms of smokeless tobacco that are commonly sold on the streets.
Thomas Lindi, National Coordinator of the Tobacco Control and Health Alliance, stated that nicotine addiction may lead to cardiovascular damage. "Recent research and evidence have shown that oral nicotine pouches carry serious health risks." He added, "These products often come in a variety of flavors, making them attractive to young people and children. This actually increases the likelihood that those who may not have considered using tobacco or nicotine would try ingesting nicotine.
Mussolini stated that illegal vendors around schools are secretly selling such products to children attending school. She issued a stern warning to those selling illegal drugs, stating that "their days are numbered."
We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.
Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn
Notice
1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.
2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.
4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.
Copyright
This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.
For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.
We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com
