The National Authority for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA) has launched a crackdown on shisha pipes and their use in Nairobi, Kenya. The authority announced the operation, which resulted in arrests, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.
While specific details regarding the number of arrests and locations have not been made public, NACADA has confirmed that the operation targeted establishments offering shisha and individuals found in possession of the pipes.
Shisha, also known as hookah, is a tobacco smoking device that uses water to cool and filter the smoke. Despite its widespread popularity, particularly among young people, shisha smoking carries significant health risks, including addiction, lung cancer, and heart disease.
NACADA’s move comes as part of their ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse and its associated harms in Kenya. The authority has previously spoken out against the use of shisha, highlighting its negative health consequences and potential as a gateway drug.
It is expected that NACADA will release further details about the operation in the coming days. This news is likely to be of interest to public health advocates, policymakers, and the general public in Kenya.
wanyony Brian