Govt vows tougher enforcement on public smoking laws

Caption:Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has urged communities, religious leaders, and county officials to strengthen their partnership in the fight against drug and substance abuse. VIDEO/K24TV

The Ministry of Health has raised concern over the dangers of cigarette smoking, warning that the habit is not only harmful to health but also a pathway into more dangerous forms of drug abuse.

Speaking on Sunday, September 21, 2025, Health Permanent Secretary Mary Muthoni said the government will not relent in the fight against public smoking, noting that existing laws already prohibit the practice in public spaces.

She called on restaurant and bar owners to take responsibility in ensuring compliance and asked public health officers to intensify enforcement.

“Tobacco control of 2007 prohibits smoking in public places. This is something I would want enhanced by bar owners and restaurants. I want to ask Public Health officers to enforce this, because we have enough officers in this country who are able and have all the requisite information and tools to go and enforce,” she said.

She also cautioned Kenyans against smoking in the presence of children, stressing that exposure at a young age could influence them to take up the habit and later spiral into substance abuse.

According to her, passive smoking exposes children to greater health risks, as second-hand smoke is often more dangerous than direct inhalation.

“We have zero tolerance for tobacco in homes, schools, and parents must not smoke around their children. You know secondary smoking is the one that causes more harm. So kama wewe ni mvutaji wa sigara si uende ukavutie huko chini kwa mashamba yako,” she said.

The PS said tobacco use has deep social and economic consequences, citing its impact on family resources and poverty levels.

Also watch: PS Muthoni urges churches to promote mental health awareness, warns against drug abuse

She argued that beyond its immediate health risks, cigarette smoking often opens the door to more dangerous drugs.

“Tobacco is the gateway to other drugs. It is the gate, even bhang, it is the gateway to cocaine. It is also a silent killer and destroyer in health matters. It also deepens our poverty levels,” Muthoni said.