The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has ordered the closure of two rehabilitation centres in Murang’a County, Kenya. A multi-agency inspection by NACADA, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), and the Department of Public Health uncovered serious violations. The centres, Listening Heart Wellness Centre in Gatanga Sub County and SMECC Rehab in Murang’a County, were found to have multiple regulatory, health, and human rights issues.
Inspectors found that Listening Heart Wellness Centre was operating without a KMPDC licence or other regulatory approval. The centre was undertaking construction while clients were on the premises and lacked qualified professional personnel. Poor hygiene and sanitation were also reported, with a cook working without a valid food handler's medical certificate. Three clients were at the facility during the inspection, and the director was given three days to arrange their transfer to other rehabilitation centres.
SMECC Rehab was also found to be operating without a KMPDC licence and had poor hygiene and sanitary conditions. The facility was overcrowded, with some clients reportedly sleeping on the floor. Inspectors found two underage boys, aged 16 and 17, at the facility, prompting NACADA to refer the matter to the Children's Office.
More serious concerns emerged over the treatment of clients at SMECC Rehab. Inspectors found a cell on an open veranda used to confine clients considered to have disciplinary issues. Clients were locked in the space, made to sleep on the floor, and forced to use a bucket as a toilet for about a month. Clients also alleged that they had been assaulted by staff and claimed some had been abducted and handcuffed from their homes before being taken to the facility.
The KMPDC issued a closure notice to SMECC Rehab, while both facilities were given three days to transfer or discharge their clients. NACADA will conduct a follow-up inspection to establish whether the closure orders have been complied with. NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa emphasized that rehabilitation centres must provide safe and dignified environments for people seeking treatment for substance use disorders.
Dr Omerikwa warned that facilities operating outside the law or subjecting clients to inhumane treatment would not be tolerated. The crackdown comes as NACADA moves to strengthen oversight of rehabilitation services and promote standards for the treatment and recovery of people affected by substance use disorders. This move aims to support the government's efforts in providing effective rehabilitation services.
The closure of the two rehabilitation centres highlights the need for stricter regulations and monitoring of rehabilitation services in Kenya. NACADA's efforts to promote standards for treatment and recovery will help ensure that people seeking help for substance use disorders receive the care and support they need in a safe and dignified environment.
Key points
- NACADA closed two rehabilitation centres in Murang'a County due to regulatory, health, and human rights violations.
- The centres were found to have poor hygiene and sanitary conditions, and were operating without necessary licences.
- NACADA will conduct follow-up inspections to ensure compliance with closure orders.
