The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada)
on Wednesday arrested two people in a raid into a popular entertainment joint
along Lang'ata road in a crackdown for illegal shisha trade in the country.
The raid saw the
authority confiscate 16 shisha bongs, 106 cartons of assorted shisha flavors
and a charcoal burner.
NACADA Director of
Compliance and Enforcement James Koskey issued a stern warning to shisha
operators across the country.
“This raid should serve as a clear message to
all shisha operators: the law is unequivocal. Shisha is illegal in Kenya, and
we will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone flouting this ban,”
said Koskey.
“We are putting all
shisha operators on notice. Compliance is not optional; it is mandatory.”
The two individuals arrested during the raid are set to be arraigned.
The raid marks a significant step in the crackdown on the illegal shisha trade in the country.
Shisha was banned in
2017, but many outlets have continued to sell it in their joints, leading to
Nacada conducting occasional crackdowns to enforce the ban.
The raid comes hot
on the heels of a recent Court of Appeal ruling that reaffirmed the
illegality of shisha in Kenya.
The court dismissed
an appeal by shisha traders seeking to overturn the ban, citing the severe
health risks associated with shisha smoking.
The ruling has
emboldened enforcement agencies to intensify their crackdown on the illicit
trade.
Shisha, a flavored
tobacco product smoked through a water pipe, has been linked to numerous health
risks, including respiratory diseases, cancer, and addiction.
Despite its
popularity among young adults, the ban aims to protect public health and curb
the growing substance abuse crisis in the country.
The agency vowed to
continue conducting similar raids across the country, targeting entertainment
joints, bars, and other establishments suspected of selling or facilitating the
use of shisha.
NACADA urged the
public to report any establishments or individuals involved in the shisha
trade.
“We cannot win this
fight alone. We need the support of every Kenyan to ensure that our communities
are free from the dangers of shisha,” Koskey added.
