Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has sounded the alarm over the rising cancer crisis in the country, blaming increased tobacco and nicotine use for fueling a wave of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Kenyan youth.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation, Duale unveiled a new set of tough regulations aimed at tightening tobacco control, including the introduction of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging and a widespread crackdown on illicit tobacco products laced with narcotics.
“We are facing a public health emergency. Tobacco and nicotine use are destroying our youth, and we must act decisively,” said the CS, warning that cancer, cardiovascular illnesses, and chronic respiratory conditions are on a dangerous rise.
Duale disclosed that several shipping containers containing harmful substances disguised as tobacco products had already been seized. Forensic tests by the Government Chemist and investigations by the DCI confirmed the presence of dangerous drugs. However, efforts to destroy these goods have been obstructed by court orders, which he said are often secured by individuals with high-level political connections.
“These substances are linked to big people. That’s the weakest link — corruption and abuse of our judicial system,” Duale told lawmakers.
The ministry has now tabled the 2025 Graphic Health Warnings for Tobacco Products regulations before Parliament. The new packaging rules — requiring pictograms that cover 30% of the front panel and 50% of the rear, in both English and Kiswahili — are expected to take effect in March 2026, as per Legal Notice No. 107 dated June 12, 2025.
“We want to overcome language and literacy barriers through impactful visuals. Fancy branding lures young people into addiction. We must counter that with the truth,” Duale emphasized.
Dr. Patrick Amoth, the Director General for Health, said the move aligns Kenya with global health standards and is vital in reversing the NCD tide. “By 2030, NCDs will surpass infectious diseases in Kenya. Tobacco is a key driver — not just of cancer, but of hypertension, infertility, erectile dysfunction, and pregnancy complications,” said Amoth.
Kenya ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2007, but enforcement has remained weak. Duale vowed to change that, citing his recent success in destroying over 5.5 tons of illicit products in Eldoret and Mombasa.
“I will not be intimidated. The law must protect the people, not the powerful individuals profiting from addiction,” he declared.
According to WHO, tobacco kills over 8 million people globally each year, including 1.2 million from secondhand smoke — a trend the CS said Kenya must reverse urgently as it faces an escalating cancer epidemic.