Mombasa's methadone clinic to relocate over security concerns
The decision was prompted by Frere Town Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Mariam Baimu, who called for urgent intervention from the Mombasa County Assembly’s Health Committee.
The Methadone Assisted Therapy (MAT) clinic based in Frere Town, Kisauni Sub-County, will soon be relocated to King’orani Prison Dispensary in a bid to ease congestion and address mounting security concerns from the local community.
The decision was prompted by Frere Town Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Mariam Baimu, who called for urgent intervention from the Mombasa County Assembly’s Health Committee.
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“While the clinic has helped many youth battling addiction, it has also raised serious safety concerns among residents, especially due to the conduct of some clients around schools and homes,” said Baimu. “We support rehabilitation, but not at the expense of public safety.”
Established in 2016, the Frere Town clinic currently serves about 790 clients daily. It has been instrumental in reducing HIV and Hepatitis C transmission rates by discouraging needle-sharing among people who inject drugs (PWID).
However, despite two other MAT clinics operating in Miritini and Shimo la Tewa, demand remains high, with Kisauni accounting for nearly 31 per cent of Mombasa’s total MAT population.
Chairperson of the Assembly Health Committee, Bernard Ogutu, confirmed the relocation plans and reiterated the county government’s commitment to expanding access to harm reduction services.
“The relocation to King’orani Prison Dispensary will help ease overcrowding and improve the quality of care. It is a necessary move, both for the clients and the wider community,” said Ogutu.
He added that refurbishment of containers for use at the new site will commence in the first week of August, with the project fully funded by the Mombasa Liquor Licence Board.
“The tendering process is complete, and construction will begin shortly. Our goal is to ensure that service delivery continues without interruption,” Ogutu stated.
He further outlined long-term plans to strengthen the county’s fight against drug abuse, including continued funding through the liquor levy, increased collaboration with schools to raise awareness, and support for vocational training and job creation for recovering addicts.
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