‘VIP experience’: How Nairobi clubs are selling shisha undercover despite ban

The ban on shisha was enacted in 2017 under public health regulations, with the serious health risks associated with shisha smoking cited.

However, according to two club revelers, club owners have found ways of covertly selling the product. 

According to Michael Weru, “Customers flock to certain lounges which offer the product under different names. The bar owners say that shisha sale is a significant part of their business.”

He continued, “Many of these establishments offer what they call private sessions and VIP experiences which are a covert way of selling the shisha and those who know what the sessions and experience are pay for them to get the shisha.”