NACADA shuts down two Murang’a rehabilitation centres over violations

The facilities—Listening Heart Wellness Centre in Gatanga Sub County and SMECC Rehab in Murang’a County—were inspected jointly by NACADA, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) and the Department of Public Health.

At Listening Heart Wellness Centre, inspectors found that the facility was operating without a KMPDC licence or other regulatory approval.

The centre was also undertaking construction while clients remained on the premises and lacked qualified professional personnel. Inspectors further reported poor hygiene and sanitation, with a cook working without a valid food handler's medical certificate.

Three clients were at the facility during the inspection and the director was given three days to arrange their transfer to other rehabilitation centres.

At SMECC Rehab, inspectors found that none of the recommendations made during an earlier inspection had been implemented.

The facility was operating without a KMPDC licence and had poor hygiene and sanitary conditions. It was also overcrowded, with some clients reportedly sleeping on the floor.

Inspectors also found two underage boys, aged 16 and 17, at the facility, prompting NACADA to refer the matter to the Children's Office.

More serious concerns emerged over the treatment of clients at SMECC Rehab, where inspectors found a cell on an open veranda used to confine clients considered to have disciplinary issues.

According to the inspection findings, some clients were locked in the space, made to sleep on the floor and forced to use a bucket as a toilet for about a month.

Clients also alleged that they had been assaulted by staff and claimed some had been abducted and handcuffed from their homes before being taken to the facility.

The KMPDC subsequently issued a closure notice to SMECC Rehab, while both facilities were given three days to transfer or discharge their clients.

NACADA said it will conduct a follow-up inspection to establish whether the closure orders have been complied with.

NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa said rehabilitation centres must provide safe and dignified environments for people seeking treatment for substance use disorders.

“As the Authority rolls out a comprehensive community-based rehabilitation program to support persons in substance use recovery, it is paramount that rehabilitation centres play their rightful role of being centres of wellness and recovery as a way of supporting the government's efforts,” Omerikwa said.

He warned that facilities operating outside the law or subjecting clients to inhumane treatment would not be tolerated.

The crackdown comes as NACADA moves to strengthen oversight of rehabilitation services and promote standards for the treatment and recovery of people affected by substance use disorders.