NACADA, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse, intensified its efforts against the illegal shisha trade with a raid on Paris Lounge in Lang’ata on Wednesday evening.
The enforcement operation, led by NACADA’s Director of Compliance and Enforcement James Koskei, resulted in the confiscation of a large consignment of shisha products and the arrest of two suspects.
Koskei emphasized that the raid was part of ongoing compliance checks aimed at curbing the illegal trade in shisha, a practice that remains banned in Kenya under Gazette Notice No. 292 of 2017.
“We are here to enforce the shisha rules, as part of our regular checks,” he said.
The operation followed a recent Court of Appeal ruling that upheld the ban on the sale, promotion, and use of shisha in Kenya.
During the operation, NACADA officers seized 39 shisha bongs, 11 cartons of charcoal, 12 cartons of assorted flavors, and 13 charcoal carriers.
Two individuals— a shisha seller and a supervisor— were arrested on charges related to the illegal sale and distribution of shisha.
Koskei warned other business owners, manufacturers, and sellers of shisha that NACADA is stepping up enforcement efforts.
“This is a clear message that we will no longer tolerate the illegal sale of shisha. We are coming for you,” he stated.
NACADA’s actions come in response to growing concerns over the health risks associated with shisha, including exposure to toxic chemicals and respiratory diseases.
Despite the legal ban introduced in 2017, illegal shisha dens continue to operate in parts of the country.
With this recent crackdown, NACADA has vowed to further intensify its enforcement efforts nationwide to ensure full compliance with the law.
