The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has shut down yet another rehabilitation centre in Isiolo County following shocking revelations of abuse and gross violations of patient rights.
The operation, conducted on Wednesday by a multi-agency team comprising the Public Health Department, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) and the National Police Service (NPS), came barely a day after a similar facility was closed in Meru for the same offences.
Disturbing Scenes Inside the Isiolo Facility
According to officials, the inspection was prompted by numerous complaints from family members and the public. Inside the Isiolo centre, inspectors found patients locked in overcrowded rooms, forced to sleep on the floor with worn-out blankets, and denied access to food and basic necessities.
A minor was among those subjected to alleged inhumane treatment, including torture. Authorities also discovered that some patients had been unlawfully detained for over a year.
The centre had no qualified medical personnel or professional counsellors. Instead, it was being run by two untrained interns and a security guard. Hygiene conditions were described as deplorable, exposing patients to a high risk of infections.
Immediate Closure and Rescue
Following the findings, NACADA ordered the facility closed immediately and called guardians to collect their loved ones. By Wednesday evening, most patients had been reunited with their families, while eight more were expected to be released by Thursday noon.
NACADA Issues Stern Warning
NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa condemned the violations in strong terms, saying the agency was escalating its nationwide crackdown on rogue operators.
“These findings are deeply disturbing and unacceptable. It is a betrayal of trust when facilities meant to heal and restore are instead sites of abuse and exploitation,” Omerikwa said.
“NACADA will not hesitate to shut down such operations and ensure those responsible face prosecution.”
He added that the crackdown would be relentless, targeting all unlicensed and non-compliant facilities across the country.
“We are working with stakeholders to strengthen oversight and improve rehabilitation services,” Omerikwa said.
“Our newly introduced Community-Based Rehabilitation Framework will ensure persons with substance use disorders receive safe, professional care close to their communities, while rogue operators are rooted out once and for all.”
Growing National Scrutiny
The closure in Isiolo highlights growing national scrutiny of private rehabilitation centres in Kenya, amid increasing reports of abuse, illegal detention, and lack of professional oversight. NACADA has urged families to verify licensing and credentials before enrolling their loved ones in such facilities.