The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has shut down Ahadi Rehabilitation Center in Githunguri, Kiambu County, after an impromptu inspection uncovered appalling living conditions.
The operation, carried out by NACADA’s Compliance and Enforcement team alongside public health officers, revealed that the facility was operating under dangerously poor hygiene and safety standards.
Investigators were met with disturbing scenes: patients in visible distress were not receiving any medical care, and the living quarters were in disrepair, with dirty, damaged mattresses and unclean, hazardous toilets. The kitchen, used to prepare food for vulnerable residents, was filthy, with improperly stored food that posed a major health risk. Alarmingly, no qualified healthcare or counselling staff were found on-site.
“This is not just negligence—it’s the exploitation of vulnerable people,” said NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa. “We cannot allow these illegal centres to operate as holding cells for addicts instead of places of healing.”
Dr. Omerikwa announced a countrywide crackdown on unlicensed rehab centres, stressing that although Kenya has only 139 certified facilities serving over 3.2 million people with substance use disorders, low standards will not be tolerated.
“Dignity must be central to recovery,” he said, warning that all unauthorized operators would be dealt with legally.
Following the closure, NACADA facilitated the safe transfer of all patients to licensed institutions and informed their families to assist in the relocation process.
The authority also urged the public to confirm the legitimacy of rehab centres through official channels and report suspicious establishments via their toll-free number, 1192.
This action comes amid rising concerns about unregulated rehab centres exploiting the addiction crisis. With reports indicating that 25% of private facilities operate illegally, NACADA’s firm stance marks a critical step toward reform in the rehabilitation sector.
As the agency prepares for a national inspection sweep, today’s enforcement operation sends a strong warning to rogue centres: substandard care will no longer be overlooked. For those seeking help, NACADA reminds families that licensed, ethical providers are the only path to effective and respectful recovery.
