Shisha Smokers on Notice as Kenya Plans Total Ban

The Ministry of Health has invited Kenyans stakeholders and organizations to submit their views on the proposed Public Health Prohibition of Shisha Smoking and Waterpipe Tobacco Products Rules, 2026 and the accompanying Draft Regulatory Impact Statement.

In a notice dated June 4, 2026, the ministry says the proposal is grounded in the Public Health Act (Cap. 242), which gives the Cabinet Secretary for Health authority to develop rules aimed at preventing, controlling, or suppressing infectious diseases.

“NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to Article 10 of the Constitution and Sections 5 and 6 of the Statutory instruments Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Health invites interested members of the public, stakeholders and organizations to submit comments, views or representations regarding the draft Public Health (Prohibition of Shisha Smoking and Waterpipe Tobacco Products) Rules, 2026 and the draft Regulatory Impact Statement,” read part of the notice.

According to the Ministry, shisha smoking presents serious health risks beyond tobacco use, including the spread of respiratory infections such as tuberculosis through the sharing of mouthpieces and hoses.

Ministry of Health Seeks Public Input on Shisha and Waterpipe Tobacco Ban

It added that the moist environment of waterpipe systems can harbor harmful pathogens, increasing the risk of disease transmission in public and enclosed spaces.

The Ministry further highlighted that under Section 36(m) of the Public Health Act, it previously published the Public Health (Control of Shisha Smoking) Rules, 2017 (Legal Notice No. 292 of 2017), which prohibited the importation, manufacture, sale, use, advertisement, promotion, and distribution of shisha in Kenya.

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However, since 2017, new waterpipe-related products have emerged, including herbal and flavoured alternatives as well as modified devices not previously covered under existing regulations.

To address these gaps, the government has now developed the Public Health (Prohibition of Shisha Smoking and Waterpipe Tobacco Products) Rules, 2026, which seek to completely ban:

• Shisha smoking
• Importation and manufacture
• Supply and distribution
• Promotion, sale, and use of all waterpipe tobacco products

How to Submit the Public View on Shisha Ban

Members of the public are required to submit written comments, views, or memoranda by June ,30 ,2026 at 5:00 pm.

In addition, the Ministry of Health stated that the Submissions can be delivered through the Office of the Cabinet Secretary for Health at Afya House, 7th Floor, Nairobi, sent via P.O. Box 30016-00100, Nairobi, or emailed to shisharules@health.go.ke.

The draft rules and the regulatory impact statement are also available on the Ministry’s website: https://www.health.go.ke.The

Health Ministry further noted that it will hold public consultations across the country to collect oral submissions and sensitize citizens on the proposed regulations.

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The following is a table showing places the meeting will be held .

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Court Stops CS Duale’s Order to Scrap MKU Oral Health Degree. / PHOTO FILES