Following the ban on the importation, manufacture, sale and use of shisha in the country, the government has closed 80 establishments over the sale of the banned
Interior PS Raymond Omollo on Tuesday made the announcement as he insisted that the ban on shisha remains in effect
Earlier this month, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki said advertisement, promotion, or distribution of the same is also illegal with immediate effect.
The CS noted that establishments that will be found to sell the same will be shut down.
"The importation, manufacture, sale, use, advertisement, promotion or distribution of shisha is outlawed in the country, any establishment found in breach of this provision will be shut down with immediate effect," Kindiki said.
He directed County Security Teams to ensure the directives were adhered to, without fail.
The prohibition on shisha also remains in effect, with violations having led to immediate shutdowns of 80 offending establishments.
Last week, The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) unveiled a 24-hour toll-free number (1192) for Kenyans struggling to quit smoking shisha.
While offering help to those struggling with addiction, Nacada acknowledged that it may be hard for users of the drug to quit.
"If you’ve decided to quit smoking shisha, then you’ve made a great decision for your health. It may be hard at times, but there is help available to you," Nacada wrote on X.
Research shows that it can be challenging to stop smoking shisha since many smokers, especially regular users, experience urges to smoke and other withdrawal symptoms after stopping for a while.
Individuals who develop an addiction could smoke by themselves more frequently.
The use of shisha has been found to have massive effects on the long-term health of individuals including; pulmonary diseases such as chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and gastric cancer.
Shisha smokers may find it simpler to quit with the assistance of a therapy program designed to help people stop smoking.
Nacada promises to offer such help to those seeking assistance through the newly unveiled toll-free number 1192.
