The County Government of Uasin Gishu on Saturday hosted the National Government in commemoration of World No Tobacco Day by overseeing the destruction of 5.5 tonnes of illicit tobacco products.

The seized products were incinerated at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital following their interception at Eldoret International Airport.

The destruction exercise, led by Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale, included items such as shisha, gutka, flavored e-cigarettes, and other unregulated nicotine products—many of which are aggressively marketed toward young people.

This bold action aligns with Kenya’s ongoing commitment to protect its citizens from harmful substances and reinforce public health safeguards.

Presiding over the event, Hon. Duale emphasized the broader implications of the illicit tobacco trade, stating:

“Illicit tobacco is not just a health hazard—it’s a threat to our national security. It exploits our youth, undermines our regulatory systems, and fuels criminal enterprise. Today’s action sends a strong signal—Kenya will not tolerate such subversion of its laws and health systems.”

He lauded the collaborative efforts of enforcement agencies and the County Government of Uasin Gishu for their vigilance and coordination.

“What we have seen today is not just a disposal—it is a declaration of intent. Kenya will not be a dumping ground.”

Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, commended Uasin Gishu’s response to the public health crisis, praising it as a model for other counties.

“This is a textbook example of what county Governments can do when they take ownership of the health agenda,” she said, highlighting Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii’s Nguzo Kumi policy framework, particularly Nguzo 2, which emphasizes health promotion, preventive care, and proactive enforcement of public health laws.

Muthoni added that the operation was a coordinated effort involving the Ministry of Health, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), airport and customs officials, Port Health, and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). These agencies ensured the environmentally responsible disposal of the contraband.

This year’s World No Tobacco Day was marked under the global theme:
“Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products”—a call to action against misleading marketing strategies that portray nicotine products as safe or fashionable while masking their harmful effects.

In a sweeping move, the government also revoked all licenses and import permits for tobacco and nicotine-related products. Businesses must now undergo a rigorous reapplication process within 21 days to comply with enhanced health regulations.

The crackdown further reaffirmed the ban on shisha, whose use continues to rise among Kenyan youth despite existing restrictions. Officials warned that continued exposure to such products could reverse national health gains, particularly among adolescents and young adults.

Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii received national acclaim for making health a cornerstone of development in Uasin Gishu. Through his Nguzo Kumi policy agenda, the county has set a benchmark in health sector leadership. PS Muthoni affirmed:

“The governor’s vision is clearly being realized on the ground—and the rest of the country must now follow suit.”

Deputy Governor Hon. Evans Kapkea noted that with Eldoret City serving as a strategic transport and logistics hub, Uasin Gishu’s role in border surveillance and enforcement has become critical in supporting national policy implementation.

As the final plume of smoke rose from the ashes of the destroyed tobacco products, the symbolic and practical message was unmistakable: Kenya is intensifying its fight against harmful and illegal tobacco products, with Uasin Gishu County leading from the front.

Other dignitaries in attendance included County Commissioner Edsyson Nyale, County Executives Dr. Abraham Serem (Health Services) and Eng. Joseph Lagat (Roads), and Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health, Dr. Paul Wangwe, among other high-profile officials.

To conclude the day’s engagements, the Cabinet Secretary also visited Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital, further underscoring the government’s commitment to healthcare delivery.