NACADA Raid Another Langata Road Nightclub In Shisha Crackdown
NACADA’s Director of Compliance and Enforcement, James Koskey, reiterated the agency’s firm stance on the ban, which has been in effect since 2017.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
In a high-stakes late-night operation, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) raided Pulse Lounge, a popular entertainment spot along Lang’ata Road, seizing 16 shisha bongs, 106 cartons of assorted shisha flavors, and a charcoal burner.
In a statement to newsrooms, NACADA on Thursday, March 6, revealed that the crackdown led to the arrest of two individuals who are set to be arraigned in court, signaling intensified efforts to stamp out the illegal shisha trade in Kenya.
NACADA’s Director of Compliance and Enforcement, James Koskey, reiterated the agency’s firm stance on the ban, which has been in effect since 2017.
NACADA officers seize shisha equipment on February 26, 2025. /PHOTO
“This raid should serve as a clear message to all shisha operators: the law is unequivocal. Shisha is illegal in Kenya, and we will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone flouting this ban,” said Koskey. “We are putting all shisha operators on notice. Compliance is not optional; it is mandatory.”
The operation follows a recent Court of Appeal ruling that reaffirmed the prohibition of shisha smoking in the country. The court dismissed an appeal by shisha traders attempting to overturn the ban, citing the grave health risks associated with its consumption, including respiratory diseases, cancer, and addiction.
The ruling has since emboldened enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts against the illicit trade.
Despite its popularity among young adults, shisha remains outlawed due to its severe health consequences. NACADA has vowed to continue conducting nationwide raids targeting entertainment venues, bars, and other establishments suspected of flouting the ban.
Koskey urged the public to support the campaign by reporting any businesses or individuals engaged in the shisha trade.
“We cannot win this fight alone. We need the support of every Kenyan to ensure that our communities are free from the dangers of shisha,” Koskey added.
The Pulse Lounge raid underscores the government’s resolve to enforce the ban, with NACADA leading the charge against illegal substances. As the crackdown intensifies, Kenya is sending a resounding message: Shisha has no place in the country.
On February 27, two people were arrested at Paris Lounge in Lang’ata, Nairobi, where NACADA’s enforcement officers raided the establishment and seized a significant consignment of shisha products.
During the raid, officers confiscated 39 shisha bongs, 11 cartons of charcoal, 12 cartons of assorted flavours, and 13 charcoal carriers. A shisha seller and a supervisor were taken into custody and are expected to face legal action.
The operation comes days after the Ministry of Health reminded members of the public that the ban on Shisha remains in full effect, despite a court ruling that declared the ban unconstitutional.
This prohibition, enacted in 2017 under the Public Health (Control of Shisha Smoking) Rules, outlaws the manufacture, importation, sale, and use of shisha in Kenya.
