State announces crackdown on illegal nicotine products

The government has announced a crackdown on illegal nicotine products and unauthorised medicines across the country.

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the crackdown will be conducted by a multi-agency team which will comprise the Tobacco Control Board and the Pharmacy and Poison Board.

Speaking in Kerugoya on Wednesday, Muthoni who was accompanied by Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari said there were many illegal nicotine products in the market which are ruining the lives of the youth.

“The Tobacco Control Board and Pharmacy and Poison Board will launch a massive crackdown to wipe out all illegal nicotine products such as pouches which are put under the tongue and also electric cigarettes,” she said.

In August last year, health advocates warned that Kenya faces a resurgence of highly addictive nicotine products that had been banned by the Ministry of Health.

Four civil society groups, which conducted a survey in Nairobi, said none of these products adhere to the Tobacco Control Act and its regulations.

They asked the Ministry of Health to crack down on the products, including nicotine pouches, which are widely sold in retail outlets.

Other products widely sold on the streets are vapes, e-cigarettes and various forms of chewed tobacco.

“Recent studies and evidence have shown that oral nicotine pouches pose serious health risks,” said Thomas Lindi, national coordinator of the Tobacco Control and Health Alliance, who read the statement.

He cited nicotine addiction and potential cardiovascular harm.

“These products often come in appealing flavours, making them enticing to nonsmokers, youth and children,” Lindi said.

 “This consequently increases the likelihood of nicotine initiation among individuals who may otherwise have never considered tobacco or nicotine pouches use.”

On Wednesday, Muthoni said many respiratory and liver ailments and cancer have been attributed to the use of non-approved nicotine products.

Muthoni says that such products are being sold secretly to school-going children by unscrupulous traders who hang around schools.

She issued a stern warning to those selling illegal substances saying their days are numbered.

Gitari supported calls for the eradication of all illegal brewers, drugs and non-approved nicotine products.

The MP supported a high court ruling on the legality of Muratina, which he said should only be allowed for traditional ceremonies.

The CS called on stakeholders to join hands in the fight against illegal medicines, drugs and illegal nicotine products.