Health Ministry Shuts Down Chinese Firm Over Illegal Cigarette Imports
0
0
A godown operated by Chinese firm Shapo Trading Ltd along Mombasa Road has been shut down by the Ministry of Health following the illegal importation of 1,716 cartons containing 11 unapproved cigarette brands.
Two Chinese nationals were arrested during a joint operation by Ministry of Health officials and detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). The consignment was found to be in violation of the Tobacco Control Act, 2007, and its 2014 regulations.
A letter from Tobacco Control Board Secretary Anthony Wainaina dated April 3, 2025, confirmed that all clearance letters previously issued to Shapo Ltd were revoked with immediate effect. “All clearance letters…are hereby withdrawn/cancelled and recalled,” the letter read.
Investigations revealed that four of the cigarette brands were missing from the Ministry’s product database, while all 11 violated national health regulations. The Ministry has since stationed police at the godown to prevent further operations.
DCI confirmed that at least two of the banned brands were still on sale in local retail outlets despite the ban, raising concerns over enforcement and possible collusion within government agencies.
Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale acknowledged the seriousness of the matter: “That matter is on my desk… we will not allow Kenyans to get substandard health products.”
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has been questioned over how the consignment cleared customs. Intelligence sources suggest some officials may have aided the smuggling and tax evasion. Investigations are ongoing.
About The Author
