NACADA Flags Major Gaps in Kenya’s Rehabilitation Services

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse has released a damning rehabilitation services report.
The findings follow a nationwide inspection conducted in November 2025.
The report exposes serious weaknesses in Kenya’s addiction treatment system.

Nationwide Inspection Covered 36 Counties

In a statement dated January 15, 2026, NACADA confirmed the inspection used the Rapid Results Initiative framework.
A multi-agency government team conducted the exercise.
The inspection assessed 236 treatment and rehabilitation facilities across 36 counties.
The goal was to evaluate national treatment capacity and service quality.

Only 135 Facilities Fully Accredited

According to NACADA, only 135 facilities met full accreditation standards.
These centres provide nearly 3,800 residential beds nationwide.
Most accredited facilities offer Level Three residential rehabilitation services.
Consequently, they form the backbone of Kenya’s addiction recovery response.

Facilities Closed Over Serious Violations

However, the inspection uncovered alarming compliance failures.
Authorities denied accreditation to 30 facilities that failed minimum standards.
Out of these, 15 facilities received immediate closure notices.
Violations included expired medicines, poor hygiene, unsafe buildings, and unqualified staff.
Meanwhile, 56 facilities were placed under strict monitoring pending corrective measures.

Cost and Access Remain Major Barriers

NACADA noted that most accredited facilities remain privately owned.
As a result, inpatient rehabilitation remains unaffordable for many families.
The report also highlighted shortages in public outpatient services.
Similarly, specialised rehabilitation for women and adolescents remains critically limited.

Over 1.3 Million Kenyans Need Urgent Treatment

NACADA revealed that over 1.3 million Kenyans urgently need addiction treatment services.
Therefore, the Authority stressed the need to implement the President’s county rehabilitation directive.
NACADA urged county governments to invest in public facilities.
Additionally, it called on development partners to support community-based recovery services.