Kenya moves to ban hookah with up to 10 years in prison: what it means for Belgrade

What happened

On 5 November 2026, the Alcoholic Drinks and Drugs Control Laws (Amendment) Bill was introduced in Kenya's National Assembly. It is sponsored by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah. The bill is mostly about alcohol, but it contains a tough section on hookah: a full ban on the manufacture, sale and promotion of shisha.

The ban does not stop at sellers. Anyone who allows, promotes, facilitates or encourages shisha smoking or the use of nicotine pouches could also be punished. The maximum penalty is a fine of up to 5 million Kenyan shillings, up to 10 years in prison, or both.

What else is in the bill

The bill defines shisha as a flavoured or unflavoured tobacco product that may contain molasses, honey, vegetable glycerol or other flavourings. It also raises penalties for smoking in prohibited places: the maximum fine goes from 50,000 to 100,000 shillings and the maximum jail term from six months to a year. Selling cigarette packs with fewer than 10 sticks would become an offence too.

Why Kenya is back on the subject

This is not Kenya's first hookah ban. In December 2017, then health minister Cleopa Mailu banned the import, manufacture, sale and advertising of shisha, with fines of up to 50,000 shillings. In June 2026, according to Tobacco Reporter, officials drafted new waterpipe tobacco rules and acknowledged that the 2017 ban had failed to remove shisha from nightclubs. The new bill would raise the maximum fine a hundredfold compared with 2017.

According to Kenya's Nation newspaper, if the bill passes Kenya would become the fourth East African country to ban shisha, after Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.

When could it take effect

For now this is only a first reading. The bill still needs public participation, parliamentary debate and possible amendments. None of its provisions apply unless Parliament approves it and the president signs it. The Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya has already called for the bill to be withdrawn, warning it could cost jobs.

What it means for Serbia and Belgrade

Nothing changes for Serbia: Kenyan law applies only in Kenya. Hookah lounges in Belgrade operate under Serbian rules, and the news from Nairobi does not affect them.

There is a practical takeaway for travellers. If you are going to Kenya, remember that shisha has been banned there since 2017 and penalties may become much harsher. Do not pack hookah tobacco or go looking for a shisha lounge there.

If you want to relax over a hookah in Belgrade, come to Spički in Vračar: Mačvanska 10, daily from 12:00. We have hookah, a kitchen and bar, business lunch, two PS5 tables and a private Secret Room with five gaming PCs. You can book a table at book.spickibg.com.