PS Muthoni defends nicotine license revocation
Muthoni stated that the nicotine market had become heavily compromised, making it difficult for the government to regulate the safety and standards of products in circulation.
Principal Secretary for Public Health, Mary Muthoni, has firmly backed the government’s move to cancel all licenses tied to nicotine products, pointing to rising health risks, particularly among young people and women.
In an interview aired on a local television station on Thursday, June 5, 2025, Muthoni stated that the nicotine market had become heavily compromised, making it difficult for the government to regulate the safety and standards of products in circulation.
"The market had become so infiltrated, we didn’t know what we were dealing with," said PS Mary Muthoni, justifying the government’s decision to revoke all licenses for the production, importation, distribution, and advertising of nicotine products nationwide.
Muthoni attributed the move to worrying health trends among Kenyans.
"Over 100,000 children aged between 10 and 17 are already vaping," she noted.
"And more women are smoking now than ever before. These aren’t just statistics they represent lives, families, and futures at risk."
She added that the suspension is part of a wider government effort to shield vulnerable groups and regain oversight of a fast-growing, poorly regulated nicotine market.
Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health, outlining a multi-pronged approach aimed at curbing addiction and reinforcing medical oversight, especially among young people.
Speaking on Thursday, Muthoni said the State Department for Public Health is intensifying policy measures to curb nicotine addiction and promote healthier choices.
She further flagged growing misuse of prescription drugs, particularly the diabetes medication Ozempic, which is increasingly used for unregulated weight loss.
"The Pharmacy and Poisons Board is actively reviewing misuse concerns surrounding Ozempic," she said.
"Prescription drugs must be issued by qualified professionals. This isn’t just about regulation, it’s about protecting Kenyans from self-harm."
She warned that using medications for unintended purposes like rapid weight loss can cause serious health complications, particularly when users bypass medical advice.
Muthoni urged Kenyans to consult healthcare providers before using any form of medication.
Addressing broader healthcare challenges, the PS noted the government is pivoting toward local resource mobilization to ease pressure on overstretched funding channels.
"The government has turned to domestic sources," she stated.
