Kenya’s Alcoholic Drinks and Drugs Control Laws (Amendment) Bill 2026, introduced by parliamentary majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah, proposes prohibiting the production, sale, and promotion of shisha. The bill has completed its first reading in Parliament and would amend the country’s tobacco control law to classify shisha, with or without flavorings, as a tobacco product. It also proposes prohibiting the promotion, facilitation, or encouragement of shisha smoking and the use of nicotine pouches. Violations could carry fines of up to 5 million Kenyan shillings ($38,500), imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.
The proposed legislation would also increase penalties for smoking in prohibited places to a maximum fine of Sh100,000 ($770) and one year in prison. The same maximum penalties would apply to retailers selling cigarette packs containing fewer than 10 cigarettes. If adopted, Kenya would join Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda in banning shisha.
