The Star Wednesday September 9, 2009
BY LUCY ANAYA

Last week, the star reported that the ministry of public health launched a crackdown on people who smoke in public in Kakamega as the town began implementing the Tobacco Control

Act. The report said plainclothes police officers and public health officials started patrolling the town in hunt for those smoking in public. For once, the residents of the

town breathed a sigh of relieve since the ban was long overdue.
But barely a week later, The star reports that the smoking order has been put a side.  The same police officers, who previously were arresting smokers found in public places,

announced the implementation had been suspended till further notice.
The questions anti-tobacco advocates are asking are; why a sudden change of tune? Did the Kakamega Police Commander John Mwinzi consult before giving orders to his juniors? His

explanation is that the council has not built smoking zones. Has he read the Tobacco Control Act? For how long is he going to allow smokers break the law simply because the

council has not built smoking zones?
He forgets that it is the responsibility of the owners of business premises to designate smoking zones and Tobacco manufacturers to create smoking zones for their clients.
 The second hand smokers are aware that the Ministry of public health and Sanitation gave proper civic education and sensitization before launching a crackdown. Is what the

police officers are doing a conspiracy between them and ministry officials who have been compromised by tobacco barons?
The act explains that the Government shall promote public awareness about health consequences, addictive nature and mortal threat posed by tobacco consumption.
It is a high time leaders and officers in different capacities should step on their vested interests and value human health. It is a fact that tobacco use has become a nuisance

in this country, a health hazard and environmental pollutant.
Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death and disability in the world today Kenya being no exceptional. Globally, it kills 5.4 more than Aids and malaria combined. In

Kenya, statistics indicate that the government collects five billion revenue from tobacco manufacturing companies hence spends 18 billion in curing tobacco related ailments.
Smoking prevalence is increasing especially among the youth. The 2007 Global Youth Tobacco Survey revealed that over 20% of Kenyan youth are using tobacco products.
 The Tobacco Control Act states that every person within the council is entitled to clean and healthy environment and has the duty to safeguard and enhance the environment.