NACADA closes rehab centre in Kiambu
Further, NACADA highlighted the deplorable state of the kitchen where meals for vulnerable patients were prepared. Food was kept in unsanitary conditions, raising the risk of disease transmission.
The National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has ordered the closure of a rehabilitation centre in Kiambu County after uncovering shocking conditions during a surprise inspection.
The operation, carried out by NACADA’s Compliance and Enforcement team together with Public Health officials, revealed that the facility was functioning well below acceptable health and safety requirements.
During the investigation, NACADA reported uncovering deeply concerning circumstances at the centre.
"Many clients appeared seriously ill but were not receiving adequate medical care. The living areas were neglected, with torn and dirty mattresses scattered in poorly ventilated rooms, while unhygienic toilets presented major health hazards," the authority explained.
Further, NACADA highlighted the deplorable state of the kitchen where meals for vulnerable patients were prepared. Food was kept in unsanitary conditions, raising the risk of disease transmission.
"Most distressing was the complete lack of qualified medical or counseling personnel to support those battling addiction," NACADA emphasized.
Anthony Omerikwa, NACADA’s CEO, condemned the facility’s state, calling it not only substandard but a criminal exploitation of vulnerable individuals in Kenya.
He asserted that the authority will not accept rehabilitation centres that “function as human warehouses instead of healing environments.”
"Starting now, we are rolling out nationwide inspections to identify and shut down every illegal facility exploiting vulnerable families," he added.
Omerikwa stressed that despite the critical shortage of treatment centres in Kenya, lowering standards is not an option.
Out of 255 facilities inspected by NACADA, only 139 are accredited, serving an estimated 3.2 million individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
“Recovery must take place with dignity, not in conditions that undermine it,” he said, warning that unlicensed operators will face strict legal consequences.
After the closure, NACADA ensured the safe relocation of all clients to approved centres and informed families to support the transition.
The authority has called on the public to confirm rehabilitation centre licenses through official channels and to report any suspicious facilities by calling their toll-free number, 1192.
This crackdown comes in response to increasing worries over the rise of unregulated treatment centres taking advantage of Kenya’s addiction epidemic.
