Kenyans Urged To Report Nightclubs Selling Shisha Illegally
This is as NACADA ramped up its nationwide crackdown on shisha following a successful midnight operation in Nanyuki, Laikipia County.
Marvin Chege 
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has called upon members of the public to report to them regarding entertainment joints in Kenya selling shisha in contravention of the law.
This is as NACADA ramped up its nationwide crackdown on shisha following a successful midnight operation in Nanyuki, Laikipia County. Two suspects were arrested for illegally selling the banned substance.
The raid, led by NACADA’s Head of Enforcement, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nicholas Kosgey, targeted several establishments suspected of violating the 2017 shisha ban.
Shisha paraphenalia seized at Downtown Joint in Nanyuki on March 29, 2025. /NACADA
At Downtown Joint, officers apprehended two men caught selling shisha and seized 10 shisha pots, 16 boxes of flavored tobacco, and various related paraphernalia. The suspects were taken into custody at Nanyuki Police Station as investigations continue.
NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa issued a stern warning to businesses defying the ban, emphasizing that enforcement efforts will remain relentless.
“The sale and use of shisha is illegal in Kenya, and NACADA will not relent in its efforts to eradicate this public health menace,” he stated.
“This operation in Nanyuki is part of our sustained nationwide crackdown, and we urge the public to report any outlets flouting the law.” While several other establishments in Nanyuki were inspected, no additional shisha was found.
NACADA has heightened surveillance across the country, particularly in entertainment venues, to enforce compliance with the ban, which was implemented due to shisha’s severe health risks, including addiction and respiratory diseases.
SSP Kosgey warned that those caught violating the ban would face legal consequences. “We will continue these surprise operations, and business owners must comply with the law or risk arrest and prosecution,” he asserted.
On March 19, NACADA conducted two high-profile raids in Nairobi, seizing 52 shisha bongs and arresting three suspects. The coordinated operations targeted Alfakheer Lounge on Mirema Drive and Embassy Club along Thika Road, both suspected of flouting Kenya’s 2017 ban on shisha more than once.
At Alfakheer Lounge, enforcement officers confiscated 10 shisha bongs and arrested one suspect. Meanwhile, at Embassy Club, the team seized 42 bongs, and 56 assorted shisha flavours, and detained two suspects.
NACADA has continued to urged the public to support its campaign by reporting illegal shisha sales through its toll-free helpline, 1192, adding that it remains committed to protecting the youth and the general public from the dangers of substance abuse.
