The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has ordered the immediate closure of the Ahadi Rehabilitation Centre in Githunguri, Kiambu County, following a damning inspection that uncovered widespread health and safety violations.
An impromptu inspection conducted earlier this week by NACADA’s Compliance and Enforcement team revealed appalling conditions at the facility.
Among the key issues cited were unhygienic food preparation areas, inadequate medical care, and neglected living quarters. Inspectors found that several residents were visibly ill and had not received any professional treatment.
In addition, the centre was operating without the necessary licenses and failed to meet even the most basic standards of cleanliness and safety.
“This isn’t just substandard, it’s criminal exploitation of vulnerable Kenyans,” said Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, CEO of NACADA. “We will not tolerate the so-called rehabilitation centers operating as human warehouses. Effective immediately, we are launching nationwide inspections to root out all illegal facilities preying on desperate families.”
According to NACADA, the patients were housed in overcrowded, poorly ventilated rooms and forced to sleep on filthy, worn-out mattresses. The kitchen was described as a health hazard, teeming with flies and dirty, unwashed utensils.
“It’s shocking that a place meant for healing and recovery could be allowed to operate like this. We trusted them with our loved ones, only to find they were being treated worse than prisoners,” said Peter Mwangi, a parent whose son had been admitted to the center.
Although Ahadi Rehabilitation Centre marketed itself as a haven for individuals struggling with substance abuse, former residents painted a very different picture. They reported being left without counseling, medication, or basic medical treatment, even when seriously ill.
NACADA has confirmed that all residents have since been relocated to licensed rehabilitation facilities with proper amenities and professional care. Authorities are also pursuing legal action against the owners of Ahadi Rehabilitation Centre for operating without certification and for endangering lives.
As investigations continue, families and advocacy groups are calling for stricter regulation and greater transparency in the management of rehabilitation facilities across Kenya.
By Vivian Makungu
