Health CS Aden Duale Suspends All Existing Nicotine Licenses,

All existing nicotine product licenses have been suspended with immediate effect, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has now declared.

While speaking to members of the press on Saturday, May 31, Duale disclosed that the suspension will be effective immediately and gave previously licensed entities 21 days to reapply.

The suspension will affect the manufacture, sale, import, distribution and promotion of nicotine and related products.

“Pursuant to the Tobacco Act 2007 and other applicable laws, I hereby declare suspension of all existing licenses and import clearance related to the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale and promotion of nicotine and related products with immediate effect,” Duale stated.

“All persons and entities previously licensed are now required to reapply within 21 days and submit full compliance documentation for consideration,” he added.

Duale made the announcement during the commemoration of World Tobacco Day and cited the move as a means of curbing the proliferation of drug use and safeguarding public health.