Kenya Marks World No Tobacco Day with Tough Action on Illicit Tobacco
Uasin Gishu County, Kenya - - Health Cabinet Secretary Hon Aden Duale presided World No Tobacco Day ,2025(WNTD) in Uasin Gishu County reaffirming Kenya's commitment to protecting the public especially the youth and push forward toward a healthier, smoke-free future.
Themed "Unmasking the appeal:Exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products" the celebration reinforces a powerful call to action reminding us that tobacco control isn’t just about public health—it’s about exposing the deceptive tactics used by the industry to lure the next generation.
The Health Cabinet Secretary spoke at Uasin Gishu Primary School after leading the destruction of 5.5 tonnes of seized illicit tobacco products at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) sending a strong message that Kenya enforces its laws.
At a brief ceremony, the CS pronounced several decisive actions undertaken by the government in strengthening laws and banning misleading advertising to protect against industry interference in public health policies, in alignment with Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention particularly Ministry of Health partnership with the County Government of Uasin Gishu in the launch of a youth-focused awareness campaign against tobacco, warning against the dangers of emerging nicotine products.
In his keynote address, the CS pronounced his recent signing of a legal notice for publication in the Kenya Gazette introducing 17 new graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging, with a focus on emerging nicotine products. The Ministry’s key stride toward tobacco control in the country.
The CS also used the platform to rally the public for Social Health Authority (SHA) registration, briefing them on its packages and benefits and updated them on key reforms undertaken by the Ministry to advance the roll out of Universal Health Coverage in line with Kenya kwanza administration Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Other speakers at the event include; Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms Mary Muthoni, Tobacco Control Board Chairperson Dr Naomi Shaban ,Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Hon Evans Kapkea among other County and National government officials.