The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) raided Pulse Lounge on Wednesday night, seizing 16 shisha bongs, 106 cartons of assorted shisha flavors and a charcoal burner.
Two individuals were arrested from the entertainment joint along Lang’ata Road and are set to be arraigned in court.
The operation underscores NACADA’s commitment to enforcing Kenya’s shisha ban since 2017.
Speaking at the scene, NACADA Director of Compliance and Enforcement James Koskey issued a stern warning to shisha operators nationwide.
“This raid is a clear message: shisha is illegal in Kenya, and we will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone flouting this ban,” said Koskey. “Compliance is not optional; it is mandatory.”
The raid follows a recent Court of Appeal ruling that reaffirmed the ban, dismissing an appeal by shisha traders and citing the severe health risks associated with shisha smoking.
The ruling has emboldened enforcement agencies to intensify their crackdown on the illicit trade.
Shisha, a flavored tobacco product smoked through a water pipe, has been linked to serious health risks, including respiratory diseases, cancer and addiction.
Despite its popularity among young adults, the ban aims to protect public health and curb the rising substance abuse crisis.
The Pulse Lounge raid is part of a nationwide campaign by NACADA to eliminate shisha from the Kenyan market.
The agency has vowed to continue similar operations across the country, targeting entertainment joints and bars suspected of selling or facilitating shisha use.
As the two suspects await their court appearance, NACADA is urging the public to report any establishments engaged in the illegal trade.
“We cannot win this fight alone. We need every Kenyan to help keep our communities free from the dangers of shisha,” Koskey added.
