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"This isn't just substandard-it's criminal exploitation of vulnerable Kenyans," said NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa during the closure.
"We will not tolerate so-called rehabilitation centres operating as human warehouses. Effective immediately, we are launching nationwide inspections to root out all illegal facilities preying on desperate families."
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.
Following the closure, NACADA oversaw the safe transfer of patients to licensed centres and notified families to assist in the relocation process.
The authority is urging the public to verify the licensing status of rehabilitation facilities through official channels and report any suspicious operations via its toll-free line, 1192.