The Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, met with Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale at Bunge Tower to discuss the rollout of graphic health warnings for tobacco products under Legal Notice No. 107 of 2025.

The meeting highlighted the government’s renewed efforts to curb tobacco use, especially among the youth.

“The Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation met on Tuesday with the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, to deliberate on the Graphic Health Warnings for Tobacco Products, as outlined in Legal Notice No. 107 of 2025,” read part of the Parliament of Kenya post dated August 5, 2025.

Targeting nicotine products

During the session, CS Duale underscored the urgency of regulating tobacco consumption, describing it as a growing public health threat. He explained that the Ministry of Health had developed new graphic health warnings, which underwent public participation before being published on June 12, 2025.

“These warnings are tailored to address both traditional tobacco products and the growing range of nicotine-based alternatives that previous regulations did not adequately cover,” he said.

Duale said the goal is to raise awareness about the risks associated with tobacco and nicotine use, discourage initiation among young people, support cessation efforts, and reduce overall consumption rates.

Visual messaging

The Cabinet Secretary emphasised that the new warnings rely heavily on striking visuals to drive the message home. He explained that this approach would help bypass literacy and language barriers, making the health risks clear and accessible to all Kenyans.

“This is not only a legal responsibility but a moral one,” he said. “We respectfully urge this Committee—and Parliament—to approve these regulations so we can move quickly into the implementation phase. These products are destroying our children.”

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s position on tackling both tobacco and other narcotic substances, citing the long-term health and economic consequences if action is delayed.

Committee commends ministry’s efforts

Committee Vice Chairperson Sen. Danson Mungatana (Tana River), who chaired the session, commended the Ministry for its comprehensive submissions and dedication to public health.

“As a committee, we appreciate the clarity and effort shown. We will now engage other relevant stakeholders before reaching a final decision,” he said.

Other senators present included Daniel Maanzo (Makueni), Betty Montet, Joyce Korir, Issa Juma Boy (Kwale), Mohamed Faki (Mombasa), and nominated Senator Catherine Mumma, who joined as a friend of the committee.

The Committee is expected to deliberate further before making a recommendation to the Senate, which could pave the way for full implementation of the graphic health warnings across the country.