CS Duale Engages Senate on New Tobacco Graphic Health Warnings
𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢, 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale engaged the Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation, chaired by Tana River Senator Hon. Buya Mungatana, to deliberate on the newly developed Graphic Health Warnings (GHWs) for tobacco products. The session, held at Bunge Towers, Nairobi, followed the publication of the GHWs through Legal Notice No. 107 of , after a comprehensive public participation process.
The GHWs have been developed in line with Kenya’s commitments under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC), ratified in 2004, which recognizes tobacco use as a serious global health threat. The new warnings are designed to address both existing and emerging tobacco and nicotine products, which were not adequately covered under previous regulations.
The key objectives of the GHWs are to:
1. Increase public awareness of the health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine use
2. Discourage initiation, particularly among young people
3. Encourage cessation and reduce overall tobacco consumption
4. Bridge language and literacy barriers through vivid, easily understood visuals
Hon. Duale reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to protecting public health through strong tobacco control measures. He emphasized the pivotal role that GHWs will play in advancing the government’s tobacco control agenda and broader public health promotion efforts.
The Ministry’s presentation also highlighted the significant health risks associated with tobacco use and underscored the urgent need for GHWs—stating clearly that “health must supersede the trade benefits of tobacco.”