The Ministry of Health has raised alarm over the dangers of cigarette smoking, cautioning that the habit is not only harmful to health but also a gateway to more dangerous forms of drug abuse.
Speaking on Saturday, September 21, 2025, in Kiangwaci, Kirinyaga County, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, said the government remains firm in its efforts to curb public smoking, adding that existing laws already prohibit the practice in public spaces.
She urged restaurant and bar owners to ensure compliance and called on public health officers to step up enforcement.
“The Tobacco Control Act of 2007 prohibits smoking in public places. I want this law enforced more strictly by bar and restaurant owners. Public health officers also have the capacity, tools, and information to implement it fully,” Muthoni said.
Muthoni further warned Kenyans against smoking around children, stressing that early exposure increases the likelihood of them picking up the habit and eventually sliding into substance abuse.
She stated that second-hand smoke often carries greater risks than direct inhalation.
“We have zero tolerance for tobacco use in homes and schools. Parents must not smoke near their children. Secondary smoking is even more harmful. So if you are a smoker, take it elsewhere, far from children,” she urged.
The PS stressed the wider social and economic impact of tobacco use, saying it strains family resources and contributes to poverty.
Muthoni added that cigarette smoking frequently acts as a stepping stone to more dangerous drugs.
