NACADA shuts down rehab centre in Kajiado over 'disturbing' conditions

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) on Wednesday closed down a rehabilitation centre in Birikani, Kajiado East Constituency, citing multiple violations of operational standards.

The Better Me Options Rehabilitation Centre was raided by a multi-agency team comprising NACADA's Compliance and Enforcement Unit and Public Health officers in a surprise operation that revealed disturbing conditions at the facility.

According to officials, the center had failed to implement corrective measures recommended during a previous NACADA assessment, continuing to operate in breach of critical health and safety regulations.

The violations included inadequate medical waste disposal systems, absence of qualified healthcare personnel, and lack of clean running water in patient washrooms. Inspectors also condemned the state of the isolation rooms as "unfit for human habitation," noting peeling paint, broken window panes, and generally poor maintenance of the premises.

Some clients had reportedly been retained at the facility beyond recommended periods without proper clinical review or notification of their families.

"Today's action sends a clear message that we will not tolerate facilities that compromise the recovery journey of vulnerable Kenyans," said NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, who authorised the operation. "Our compliance enforcement isn't about punishment, but about protecting lives and ensuring every rehabilitation centre meets the standards that clients desperately need and deserve."

The facility was issued with an immediate "Notice Not to Use" order, requiring full remediation before consideration for reopening. Current clients are being transferred to accredited centres in coordination with their families.

Dr. Omerikwa urged the public to remain vigilant, advising families to always verify a centre's accreditation status before admission of loved ones.

"As we intensify these operations countrywide, we're putting all non-compliant facilities on notice," the CEO warned. "The era of substandard rehabilitation services in Kenya is over."

NACADA has called on the public to report questionable practices at rehabilitation centres through its toll-free line 1192 as the crackdown continues across all counties.