Kenyan smoking ban due to take effect: official

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

NAIROBI (AFP) — A new law banning smoking in public places and regulating the sale of tobacco products in Kenya is due to take effect nationwide within hours, an official said Monday.

Public Health Minister Beth Mugo said the Tobacco Control Act, passed in August 2007 but given a nine-month implementation period prior to Tuesday's passing into law, is aimed at protecting public health.

"Let us all accept that a majority of Kenyans are non-smokers and a few smokers are endangering the lives of those majority Kenyans," Mugo told reporters.

The ban will affect office blocks, working areas, court buildings, education institutions, residential areas, places of worship, police stations, prisons, markets, malls, cinemas and theatres, children's homes and playing...