Rehabilitation centres across the country put on notice over legal non-compliance

Rehabilitation centres have been put on notice by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) for failing to comply with legal and operational standards.

NACADA in notice has raised concerns about the increasing number of facilities operating without proper accreditation, warning that non-compliant centres face closure and prosecution.

Anthony Omerikwa, the Chief Executive Officer of NACADA, highlighted the risks posed by unregulated facilities.

"Non-compliance jeopardises the quality of care provided to individuals seeking help and exposes clients to violations of their rights and privacy," he said.

Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act of 1994 and Kenya's Data Protection Act of 2019, rehabilitation centres must obtain NACADA accreditation, uphold client confidentiality, and follow high treatment standards.

Of the 150 facilities inspected in this Financial Year, only 78 met these requirements and were accredited.

As a result, the authority has provided unaccredited centres with feedback and guidance to help them align with the regulations.

"NACADA will not hesitate to revoke accreditation for facilities found to violate these requirements. Unaccredited or non-compliant facilities risk closure and prosecution," Omerikwa warned.

In addition, NACADA has urged all unaccredited facilities to seek guidance and achieve compliance to ensure ethical and effective rehabilitation services for individuals battling addiction.

"Together, we can ensure the availability of safe, ethical, and effective rehabilitation services," Omerikwa added.

The authority reiterated its commitment to monitoring the sector and enforcing strict adherence to legal standards to protect the rights and well-being of clients.

For further details, NACADA has advised stakeholders to contact their head office or visit www.nacada.go.ke.