Nakuru residents are now demanding for proper smoking zones in the county.
They accused the county police of laxity when it comes to the arrest and prosecution of cigarette smokers who had become rampant in the area.
According to John Muchemi, a resident, the county did not follow the laws set aside for the cigarette users.
“They now are smoking everywhere and there are no designated places for them. Even when one goes to relax at the Lions Park you are met by the smoke which ends up ruining your relaxation,” he said.
Esther Njeri, a resident, said that passive smokers were the ones who were mostly affected.
“In Nairobi, there are special places set aside for smoking. However, in the county they feel safe and when arrested they end up bribing the police. They do not look at the long term effect of the smoke to the residents,” she said.
Nakuru county public health officer, Samuel Kingori, said that they would look into the issue.
“We intend to create more smoking zones and public toilets to ensure that the residents do not ruin our environment. We are also partnering with National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to oversee such initiatives. We hope that the perpetrators will be arrested and bought to book,” he said.