Duale Warns Tobacco Firms On Breaking New Packaging Rules
Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Health, has urged tobacco manufacturers not to violate the new tobacco product packaging standards.
In a statement released on Saturday, CS Duale stated that the Ministry of Health is enforcing strict regulations under the Tobacco Control Act to protect Kenyans from the harmful effects of tobacco.
“As stipulated in Section 21 of the Act, all tobacco product packaging must carry clearly visible health warnings, including graphic images and pictograms,” Duale said.
“Tobacco companies and distributors are hereby given a maximum of nine months from the date of commencement of the Notice to fully comply.”
The CS also stated that the new rule on tobacco packaging serves as a harsh reminder of the serious health dangers linked with tobacco use, which range from cancer to cardiovascular and respiratory disorders.
The Ministry of Health is enforcing strict regulations under the Tobacco Control Act to protect Kenyans from the harmful effects of tobacco.
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) June 14, 2025
As stipulated in Section 21 of the Act, all tobacco product packaging must carry clearly visible health warnings, including graphic images… pic.twitter.com/h3KIE8WWyV
“The warnings are meant to educate, deter and protect, especially the youth and vulnerable populations,” he said.
“Failure to comply will attract the full force of the law.”
On Friday, the Ministry of Health issued the third batch of Graphic Health Warnings (GHWs) under the Tobacco Control Act.
This step demonstrates the government’s commitment to tobacco control and public health protection.
The warnings, which include authorized images and pictograms, will be mandatory on all tobacco packaging.
These new regulations will take effect nine months after publication.
The strategy aims to raise public awareness about the substantial health dangers connected with tobacco use.
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It also discourages tobacco use, particularly among young people, and protects nonsmokers and other vulnerable groups from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
In a statement regarding the gazettement, the ministry advised makers, distributors, importers, and marketers of tobacco products that they must completely comply with the new GHWs as mandated by law.
Noncompliance, the ministry said, will result in penalties under the Tobacco Control Act.
The new set of graphic health warnings is part of Kenya’s continuous efforts to comply with the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which asks for measures to reduce tobacco consumption worldwide.
Duale Warns Tobacco Firms On Breaking New Packaging Rules
