The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has expressed concern over a severely strained rehabilitation system in Kenya. The Authority says the number of approved rehabilitation facilities is insufficient to meet the needs of those requiring assistance.
“According to our last national survey on the status of alcohol and drug abuse in the country, over 1.3 million Kenyans need treatment and rehabilitation services for alcohol and drug use disorders., revealing that over 1.3 million Kenyans require treatment for alcohol and drug use disorders,” NACADA said in a statement.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa revealed that a nationwide inspection conducted last November under a Rapid Results Initiative assessed 236 treatment and rehabilitation facilities and uncovered significant issues.
“15 facilities received immediate closure notices due to serious violations that posed risks to clients, including expired medicines, poor hygiene, unsafe structures, and a lack of qualified medical personnel,” Dr. Omerikwa confirmed.
The inspection, carried out by a Multi-Agency Team comprising relevant government institutions, found that 30 facilities were denied accreditation to operate as treatment and rehabilitation centers. An additional 56 facilities were identified as having compliance gaps and will remain under close monitoring, highlighting systemic gaps in the sector.
“Most accredited facilities are privately owned, making quality inpatient care unaffordable for many families. There is a critical shortage of public outpatient and community-based services, along with an alarming lack of specialized rehabilitation services for women and adolescents,” Dr. Omerikwa explained.
Described by NACADA’s CEO as the most comprehensive evaluation to date, the exercise identified only 135 fully accredited facilities offering nearly 3,800 residential beds.
Omerikwa says the findings underscore the urgency of the Presidential directive to establish a rehabilitation center in every county, a move he says is critical to provide accessible, inclusive care that supports recovery, restoration, and reintegration.
He stressed that partnerships with county governments and other stakeholders are crucial for addressing these systemic gaps and ensuring that every Kenyan can access the help they need.
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