The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has collaborated with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) and the Department of Public Health to shut down two rehabilitation facilities in Murang'a County. A multi-agency compliance inspection uncovered serious violations at Listening Heart Wellness Centre in Gatanga Sub County and SMECC Rehab in Murang'a County. The facilities were found to have endangered the safety and dignity of clients seeking treatment for substance use disorders.
Listening Heart Wellness Centre was operating without a KMPDC license or regulatory approval. The facility was undertaking construction works while clients were present, lacked professional personnel, and had poor hygiene conditions. A cook was working without a food handler's medical certificate. Three clients were present, and the director was given three days to transfer them to other rehabilitation facilities.
SMECC Rehab had failed to implement previous inspection recommendations. The facility was operating without a KMPDC license, had poor hygiene and sanitary conditions, and was overcrowded. Two underage boys, aged 16 and 17, were admitted, prompting NACADA to escalate the matter to the Children's Office. Inspectors found a cell in an open veranda where clients with discipline issues were locked up and forced to urinate in a bucket.
Clients at SMECC Rehab alleged assault by staff and claimed they had been abducted and handcuffed from their homes before being brought to the facility. KMPDC issued a closure notice to SMECC Rehab, and both facilities were given three days to arrange for the transfer or discharge of their clients. NACADA will conduct a follow-up visit to confirm compliance with the closure orders.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa emphasized the importance of rehabilitation centers operating to acceptable standards. He stated that facilities operating outside the law have no place in the rehabilitation ecosystem. The closure of these facilities underscores NACADA's commitment to ensuring safe, professional, and dignified rehabilitation services.
The inspections and subsequent closures demonstrate NACADA's efforts to protect vulnerable persons seeking treatment from exploitation and abuse. The authority is rolling out a comprehensive community-based rehabilitation program to support persons in substance use recovery. Rehabilitation centers must play their rightful role as centers of wellness and recovery.
NACADA's actions aim to ensure that rehabilitation services in Kenya prioritize client safety and dignity. The authority will continue to monitor and regulate rehabilitation facilities to prevent similar violations.
Key points
- NACADA shuts down two rehabilitation facilities in Murang'a County due to gross violations.
- The facilities were found to have endangered client safety and dignity.
- NACADA will conduct follow-up visits to confirm compliance with closure orders.
