As the popularity of shisha smoking for recreation continues to grow among young adults, doctors warn that the habit could push up the number of tobacco smokers and drug users, even as the country fights to reduce smoking.
Since the ban, efforts, though scanty, have been made to enforce the ban. It is however clear that the raids and enforcement efforts seem to be working in certain parts of the country than others.
For instance, in Nairobi’s Kamukunji sub-county, the county administration has successfully conducted raids and arraigned violators of the ban to court for prosecution.
It is reported that over 200 shisha dens have been raided since the ban was in force. Although the ban is still in force, it is reported that violations are still rampant in certain high-end night clubs.
Certain influential personalities within government or those connected to powerful politicians, who are said to be behind these high-end clubs, intimidate and frustrate the enforcement efforts.
During a meeting by the Tobacco Control Board in Nairobi stakeholders were informed that shisha was being smuggled into the country after the ban.
Dr Kepha Ombacho, the director of public health in Ministry of Health said that the government has not licensed any importer or outlets to trade in shisha.
“I can confirm to you that nobody has been licensed to import or sell shisha in Kenya and so those who are doing so are engaging in illegal business contrary to the law,” asserted Ombacho.
Worried officials questioned why the fight against shisha importers had hit a snug and why authorities were not cracking down on these individuals.
Jino Moja behind California Police Post; Section 3; Shamahan, Lamushikil, Beirut Club, Gikondi Bar on 9th Street, Manyatta Bar on 10th Street and Casino were named as some of the areas where shisha was being sold.
“Nonetheless, the war against shisha smoking is far from over. I urge all of us to join hands and step up the fight against this illegal activity,” a statement read in part.
Joel Gitali, the chair of the Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance (KETCA) said this was a move in the right direction if the government seeks to have the ban of shisha successful.
When the judge made the ruling, she observed that it was in public interest and observed that due process needs to be adhered to effect the ban fully,” Gitali stated.
Then Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Cleopa Mailu argued that consumption of the product in Kenya has been found to be a gateway to the use of hard drugs such as heroin.
Tobacco kills one out of two long-term users, or one person every six seconds globally. And as the country’s economy continues to grow, with more people having disposable income to spend on luxuries like shisha and cigars, more Kenyans are likely to die from tobacco-related illnesses.
About 2.5 million Kenyan adults currently use tobacco (smoking and/or smokeless tobacco) according to the 2014 Global Adult Tobacco Survey, Kenya.
Most of the current smokers started smoking between the ages of 20 and 24, while others were initiated between the ages of 17 and 19. But these figures could be higher as more teenagers take up shisha and cigar smoking.
The World Health Organization (WHO) documents that the smoke that emerges from the waterpipe (shisha) contains numerous toxicants known to cause lung cancer, heart disease and other diseases.
Shisha smoking delivers nicotine, which is the usual addictive component of tobacco, thus making those who are addicted less likely to quit.
Compared to cigarette smoking, shisha smokers are exposed to more smoke because, in a single session of about an hour, a smoker is exposed to about 200 puffs that is equivalent to smoking 100 cigarettes or more.