The Ministry of Health has gazetted Legal Notice No. 107, introducing a third batch of Graphic Health Warnings (GHWs) under the Tobacco Control Act (Cap. 245A), in a renewed push to curb tobacco consumption and protect public health.

The updated regulations, published in the Kenya Gazette on Friday, June 13, 2025, mandate that all tobacco product packaging must feature newly approved pictures and pictograms highlighting the dangers of tobacco use.

The warnings are to be implemented within nine months from the date of publication.

According to the ministry, the intervention is designed to increase public awareness of the health risks associated with tobacco, discourage consumption, particularly among young people, and shield non-smokers from exposure.

“These new warnings are part of our broader commitment to protect public health and strengthen tobacco control in Kenya,” read the ministry’s statement.

 “We are reinforcing the public’s right to accurate and visible information about the dangers of tobacco.”

MOH said the warnings will include graphic imagery depicting the physical harm caused by tobacco-related diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

The WHO recommendation

The ministry emphasised that visual health warnings have been proven to be more effective than text-only messages, especially in reaching populations with low literacy levels.

“The use of pictograms and real images makes the dangers of tobacco consumption clearer and harder to ignore,” the statement added.

This move aligns with international standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which recommends strong visual warnings as a key measure in reducing tobacco use globally.

MOH said it a necessary step to protect vulnerable groups, including minors and non-smokers.

“Tobacco products are often deceptively marketed. Graphic warnings help cut through that and deliver the truth directly to consumers,” the statement alarmed.

The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to implementing evidence-based strategies to combat the tobacco epidemic.

“Our goal is to protect Kenyans, especially the youth, from the harmful effects of tobacco. These graphic warnings are a powerful tool in that fight,” the ministry noted.

Manufacturers and importers are now required to comply with the new packaging regulations within the stipulated timeline or face enforcement action.

The updated warnings will be rolled out in phases to give manufacturers adequate time to redesign their packaging and distribute existing stock. Public health campaigns are also expected to accompany the new warnings to reinforce their messaging.

🚭 Legal Notice No. 107: New Graphic Health Warnings on Tobacco Products

The Ministry of Health has gazetted the third batch of Graphic Health Warnings (GHWs) under the Tobacco Control Act (Cap. 245A), reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to tobacco control and the protection of… pic.twitter.com/egVSRy6ZSN

— Ministry of Health (@MOH_Kenya) June 13, 2025