Two arrested, 109 shisha pots seized in Nacada operation

At least two suspects were Tuesday night arrested with 109 shisha pots being seized at a popular joint in Mirema Drive, Kasarani, Nairobi.

This was during an operation by multi-agency teams led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada).

Nacada in conjunction with police also seized other suspected contraband goods at the premises.

They include 220 flavours of gums,  400 coconut charcoal pieces and 16 charcoal carriers.

Others are 140 orange mint flavours, 29 mint flavours, 50 grape mint flavours and other items used in consuming shisha. 

Nacada has since December 2023 intensified its crackdown on curbing the sale and consumption of shisha products.

More than 60 raids have been conducted in clubs and party joints located in Nairobi and Mombasa.

The government has closed 80 establishments over the sale of the banned product in the latest operations.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo on Tuesday  insisted that the ban on shisha remains in effect.

Earlier this month, Interior Cabinet Secretary 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.

Omollo met a team that vets the joints handling the targeted items.

"The assembly served as a platform to brief on the imminent vetting process of their licenses and operations, emphasizing the government's resolve in tackling this crisis," said Omollo.

Omollo added that the focus will be on spirit manufacturers, with more than 29 premises expected to undergo examination.

The verification team comprises members from the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, the Office of the Deputy President, the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, the State Department for Trade, the State Department for Labour and Skills Development, Nacada, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, Anti Counterfeit Authority, and NEMA.

"Currently, all licenses for second-generation alcohol distillers and manufacturers remain suspended, pending a thorough nationwide vetting process," the PS added.

He said that already, 35 companies have been identified as having their licenses either previously suspended, cancelled or found dormant.

"The verification exercise mandates that manufacturers install quality control laboratories equipped with specialized testing apparatus and qualified personnel, ensuring rigorous scrutiny of raw materials and finished products," he said.

According to the PS, the implementation of strict product tracking systems is required to monitor alcohol distribution from source to consumer, underscoring the government's commitment to public health and safety.

He said that enforcement actions are also being taken against bars located in residential areas and near schools as well as establishments operating outside stipulated hours.

The PS announced that 6,931 premises have been closed and alcoholic stocks confiscated.

"We urge the public to actively participate in safeguarding our communities by reporting any establishments within their residential areas to relevant authorities."

The PS added that alcohol and drug abuse poses a significant threat to the safety of people and the security of Kenyans.

Last week, The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse 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.