Tag: Shisha news

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

Posted on by Dennis Elnino

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.

Shish: Overcoming Tahidi’s image was hard and it almost ruined my career

Posted on by Pauline Syombua

Actress Shirleen Wangari has come out to narrate how getting a role at Tahidi High was a gift and still a curse later on. According to the actress who went by the name Shish in the program, she fought hard to re-brand herself after ditching the show.

“It was hard because I played the role of Shish for so long, people began to believe that was the only role I could play, that I could only play the bad girl role and nothing else.” she said in an interview with Nairobi. 

“It reached a point that i stopped going for some auditions, but thankfully i was able to get a role in international films that were being shot in Kenya at the time because they were not familiar with my role as shish. It took a lot of work but finally, people in the industry began to see that i was a versatile actor.”

Her first role

Wangari also narrated how she, together with Melody Mercy, Jolene and Sarah Hassan landed their first acting roles in the program.

“I got the role straight out of Mary Hill Girls High School. I loved the experience, I not only got a platform where I could grow as an actress, but it also gave me a great platform to build my brand. I also got to make lots of friends and networks in the industry.”

Mixed reactions as the government bans Shisha in the country!

Posted on by Pauline Syombua

It official that Shisha is now illegal in the country and will not be permitted at any given time. This is after it was discovered to have long term health effects that include defects in children among other things on the human body. Other reports indicate that the flavors are laced with hard drugs like cocaine and heroine which are illegal in the country.

The announcement however sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans on social media. While others claim the ban was unfair and will result to joblessness others are in full support of the governments decision.

Also read: Shisha smoking in Kenya finally banned by the government

However one young man has left many talking after he sent Joe Muchiri a direct message urging him to address the issue of joblessness that will affect young hustlers.

Though he has a point, not everyone  supports his statement. In fact judging from the comments most people claim there are other jobs the youths can focus on.

The young Shisha vendors view

Also read: “I advised Uhuru to ban Shisha” Robert Alai confesses as he reveals other changes Kenyans should expect soon

Check out the comments by Kenyans