NACADA Shuts Down Two Rehabilitation Facilities in Murang’a Over Gross Violations

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has shut down two rehabilitation facilities in Murang’a County due to severe regulatory and human rights violations. The closure notices were issued following a joint inspection by NACADA, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), and the Department of Public Health.

The facilities, Listening Heart Wellness Centre and SMECC Rehab, were found to be operating without proper licenses, under poor hygiene conditions, overcrowded, and even housing underage clients. At Listening Heart Wellness Centre, clients were found without professional personnel, and the cook lacked a food handler’s medical certificate.

At SMECC Rehab, clients were held in an open veranda cell, forced to sleep on the floor, and even subjected to alleged assault by staff. Both facilities were given three days to transfer or discharge their clients. NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa stressed the importance of rehabilitation centers providing safe, professional, and dignified services, and warned that facilities operating outside the law and endangering clients will not be tolerated.