Health CS Duale suspends all nicotine licences with immediate effect

The government, through the Ministry of Health, has suspended all existing licences related to the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale or promotion of nicotine in the country.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said all persons currently licensed will now be required to reapply afresh within 21 days by observing full compliance laws for vetting.

Speaking in Eldoret when he destroyed 5.5 tonnes of seized tobacco related products on Saturday, the CS called on Kenyans to stand against illicit tobacco, noting that it's a threat to public health and national security.

Duale noted that the illicit tobacco is unregulated, cheap and dangerous to the health of young people. He further added that the fake products target the youth and have destroyed them for a long time.

“The Ministry of Health, pursuant to the Tobacco Control Act 2007, and other applicable laws, hereby suspends all existing licences and import clearance relating to the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale or promotion of nicotine and related products with immediate effect,” said the CS.

“All persons and entities previously licensed are now required to reapply within 21 days and submit full compliance documentation for consideration. We’re going to do a very serious compliance vetting system.”

He added: “Today we have destroyed 5.5 tonnes of seized products, shisha, flavored e-cigarettes and more which have been intercepted here at the Eldoret International Airport.”