NACADA shuts Kajiado rehab in national crackdown

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has shut down Better Me Options Rehabilitation Center in Birikani, Kajiado East, for violating health and safety standards, in what marks the latest move in a nationwide crackdown on substandard rehabilitation facilities.

A multi-agency inspection led by NACADA's Compliance and Enforcement Unit and Public Health officials uncovered serious breaches at the facility, including poor sanitation, unqualified staff, and hazardous living conditions.

Inspectors cited the lack of clean running water in patient washrooms, inadequate disposal of medical waste, and isolation rooms deemed “unfit for human habitation” due to dilapidated conditions such as peeling paint and broken window panes.

Of growing concern was the unauthorized retention of clients beyond recommended treatment periods without proper clinical reviews or family consent.

“This operation sends a strong message that we will not tolerate facilities that put the lives of vulnerable Kenyans at risk,” said NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, who authorized the closure. “Our role is not to punish but to protect. Every individual struggling with addiction deserves to be treated in a facility that is safe, clean, and professionally managed.”

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The rehabilitation center was issued with an immediate “Notice Not to Use” order, halting all operations until the violations are addressed. Clients currently at the facility are being safely relocated to accredited rehabilitation centers with the support of their families.

The enforcement action is part of NACADA’s broader quality assurance campaign to improve standards across Kenya’s addiction recovery sector. Dr. Omerikwa called on the public to remain alert and verify the accreditation of any facility before admitting loved ones.

“As we intensify operations countrywide, we are putting all non-compliant facilities on notice,” he added. “The era of substandard rehabilitation services is over.”

NACADA is urging Kenyans to report any suspicious practices at rehabilitation centers through its toll-free hotline 1192 as the crackdown continues across the counties.

This comes a day after,NACADA  shut down Ahadi Rehabilitation Center in Githunguri, Kiambu County following appalling conditions and serious health violations.

The raid, led by NACADA’s Compliance and Enforcement team in collaboration with Public Health officials, revealed a facility operating far below the minimum health and safety standards required for rehabilitation centres.

Dr. Omerikwa acknowledged Kenya’s shortage of certified treatment facilities, only 139 out of 255 inspected centres meet NACADA’s standards, serving an estimated 3.2 million people battling substance use disorders.“Recovery must happen with dignity, not in conditions that strip people of it,” he added, warning that unlicensed operators will face legal consequences.