Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni
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The Kenyan government is implementing a series of measures aimed at regulating smoking and combating rising rates of drug abuse, particularly among young adults.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni is spearheading the initiative, advocating for the establishment of designated smoking areas in public venues such as restaurants, hotels, and markets. The directive seeks to minimize exposure to secondhand smoke by confining smoking to specified zones. The government's strategy extends beyond tobacco control to address broader issues of addiction.
"Restaurants, hotels, and other social places, even the markets, must set up smoking zones, and when I say a smoking zone, it should be dedicated somewhere at the corner where someone can go and smoke. And if you really must smoke, you must use a designated smoking area," she stated.
Cessation centres are being constructed, especially in counties known for tobacco cultivation. These facilities, overseen by the Social Health Authority (SHA), will provide counselling and medical support to individuals struggling with addiction, with a focus on nicotine dependency. Specialized medical personnel and public health officers will staff the centres. These efforts come amid growing concerns about substance abuse among Kenya’s youth.
"In the health ministry, we have started building cessation centers. A cessation center is a house that is near the hospital that is used to talk and bring people together and to show them the way. If you are addicted to something, especially nicotine products, we will ensure that doctors and public health officers in the centers will help you," she said.
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) recently highlighted the use of private spaces, such as Airbnbs, as hubs for illegal drug trade and consumption. According to NACADA data, nearly one-quarter of individuals aged 18 to 24 have experimented with drugs. The agency has urged Airbnb hosts to implement stricter screening procedures and report suspicious activities. NACADA is collaborating with law enforcement and the private sector to address the threat posed by these discreet venues.
The government’s multi-faceted strategy reflects an intensified commitment to safeguarding public health and mitigating the social harm caused by drug abuse.