The tobacco industry has mounted a fresh challenge against the Ministry of Health’s ban on Shisha in Kenya, signaling renewed efforts to overturn restrictions on novel tobacco products.
A newly registered lobby group, the Novel Tobacco Products Association (NTPA), has emerged, bringing together manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumer groups in the tobacco sector.
The association aims to influence regulatory policies and advocate for self-regulation in the growing market of alternative tobacco products, including vapes, e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouches.
One of NTPA’s primary objectives is to push for a review of the 2017 ban on Shisha, which the Ministry of Health continues to enforce, citing significant health risks. The government has also ramped up its scrutiny of emerging tobacco alternatives, leading to industry-wide concerns about potential regulatory crackdowns.
The association argues that rather than outright bans, collaborative regulations should be developed to ensure safe consumption and industry accountability. It seeks to establish a middle ground between industry players and government agencies, advocating for a policy shift that considers both public health concerns and business interest
Despite the lobbying efforts, the Ministry of Health recently reaffirmed that the ban on the importation, manufacture, sale, and use of Shisha in Kenya remains in effect. The government insists that the ban is necessary to protect public health, emphasizing that Shisha smoking poses severe risks, including respiratory diseases and increased exposure to harmful chemicals.
