National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) has announced the closure of 15 rehabilitation centres following a multi-agency government crackdown targeting unsafe and unlawful addiction treatment facilities across the country.
The shutdowns followed a nationwide inspection carried out in November 2025 under a Rapid Results Initiative, during which 236 rehabilitation facilities were assessed across 36 counties.
Nacada said the action was taken to protect clients after inspectors identified serious violations that posed direct health and safety risks.
“The exercise was conducted by a Multi-Agency Team comprising relevant Government Agencies, and 236 facilities were inspected across 36 counties,” said Nacada Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa.
“The exercise provides the most comprehensive assessment to date of Kenya’s addiction treatment and rehabilitation capacity.”
According to the authority, the 15 centres were ordered to cease operations after inspectors found conditions that fell well below minimum standards.
These included the presence of expired medication, poor hygiene, unsafe physical structures and the absence of qualified medical personnel, all of which Nacada said endangered the well-being of clients undergoing treatment.
The closures formed part of a broader compliance review that exposed varying levels of readiness within the sector.
Of the facilities inspected, 135 were fully accredited and collectively provide close to 3,800 residential bed spaces.
Nacada said these centres remain central to the country’s response to alcohol and drug abuse.
“These accredited centres, many providing Level 3 residential services, form the backbone of the country’s treatment and recovery response,” the authority said.
However, the inspection also resulted in 30 centres being denied accreditation for failing to meet regulatory requirements, while another 56 were flagged for compliance gaps and placed under strict monitoring.
Nacada said these facilities will be required to address the identified shortcomings before being allowed to operate at full capacity.
The authority noted that enforcement action alone will not resolve challenges in the rehabilitation sector.
It pointed out that most accredited centres are privately run, limiting access for many families due to high treatment costs.
There are also gaps in public outpatient services and a shortage of specialised facilities for women and adolescents.
With more than 1.3 million Kenyans estimated to require treatment for alcohol and drug use disorders, Nacada said the closures highlight the need to balance regulation with expanded access to safe, affordable care.
“These outcomes underscore the urgency of the Presidential directive to establish a rehabilitation centre in every county,” the authority said.
