Nairobi MCA Calls for Stricter Enforcement of Shisha Ban Amid Rising Usage

The Chairperson of the Nairobi County Assembly Health Committee, Hon. Maurice Ochieng, has issued a stern call for the total eradication of shisha in the capital. Speaking on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Ochieng expressed deep concern over the resurgence of the illegal substance in residential estates and entertainment hubs, nearly nine years after the national ban was first enacted.

The Mountain View MCA emphasized that the persistent use of water-pipe tobacco is putting the health of Nairobi’s youth at significant risk. He urged both County and National government authorities to move decisively to seal loopholes that allow business owners and individuals to bypass existing laws.

Loopholes and Persistent Trade

Despite the ban, shisha remains a common fixture in various parts of the city. Ochieng highlighted that the trade has moved beyond exclusive lounges into ordinary residential neighborhoods. Previous enforcement actions by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) have led to high-profile raids in Kilimani, Lang’ata, Thika Road, and sections of Eastlands.

These crackdowns have resulted in hundreds of arrests and the seizure of shisha bongs, yet the “underground” market continues to thrive. The MCA noted that without a more coordinated effort to police entertainment joints, the illegal trade will continue to endanger the lives of Kenyans.

Legal Framework and Penalties

The ban on shisha was officially gazetted in December 2017 by then Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Cleopa Mailu. The comprehensive law prohibits:

• Importation and Manufacture: The production and bringing in of shisha products.

• Sale and Use: The commercial distribution and public or private consumption of the product.

• Promotion: The advertisement or marketing of water-pipe tobacco.

Under the current regulations, those found in violation face a fine of up to Ksh 50,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. Hon. Ochieng’s latest push seeks to ensure these penalties are strictly applied to discourage the growing culture of non-compliance within the city’s nightlife and residential sectors.