Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has urged officers across the country to crack down on smoking in public spaces, especially near schools and churches.
She said the Ministry of Health has zero tolerance for secondhand smoke, noting that it is common in homes and is putting children at risk. Muthoni warned parents not to smoke around their children, stressing that secondhand smoke is even more harmful.
“We have zero tolerance for tobacco in schools and homes. Parents must not smoke around their children. Secondary smoking is more dangerous,” she said.
Muthoni also pointed out that public health officers have the training and resources to stop smoking near schools and churches.
During a public health forum at Gacharu village in Kirinyaga County, she further cautioned young people against using illegal tobacco products such as shisha and e-cigarettes.
“It’s expensive and deadly. One electronic cigarette costs at least Ksh. 3,000. How many youths can afford that? They might end up stealing,” she warned, adding that the crackdown on shisha dens will continue.
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