The Ministry of Health has launched a plan to establish ten public rehabilitation centres in key hotspot counties to support Kenyans struggling with substance addiction. This initiative, spearheaded by Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, seeks to address the high cost of rehabilitation services that many citizens cannot afford.
Naomi Shaban, Chairperson of the Tobacco Control Board, emphasized the urgent need for these centres, noting that addiction recovery has long been hindered by financial constraints. “Many people requiring rehabilitation services have been forced to seek help from private facilities that are very expensive,” she said.
During a visit to Laikipia County, Shaban praised Governor Joshua Irungu for committing land within the Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital for one of the new centres. She confirmed that officials from the Ministry of Health and the Public Works Department would visit the site next week to plan construction, with the goal of starting work before the end of the financial year.
The planned rehabilitation centres will serve as regional hubs catering to both urban and rural populations affected by substance abuse. “We have carefully identified the ten hotspot counties to ensure that help reaches those who need it most,” Shaban stated.
In addition to infrastructure development, the government is also intensifying public awareness campaigns on the dangers of tobacco and other addictive substances. A three-day sensitisation workshop in Nanyuki brought together healthcare workers, Community Health Promoters, and law enforcement officers to enhance collective efforts in addressing addiction.
Speaking at the event, CS Barasa reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), a global treaty aimed at curbing tobacco use and its health consequences. She highlighted that tobacco consumption leads to chronic illnesses such as lung disease and hypertension, which place a burden on public health systems.
To ensure sustainability, Barasa disclosed that the government is working with the Tobacco Control Board to allocate funds for rehabilitation efforts and reintegration programs for recovering addicts.
Furthermore, during her visit to Laikipia, the Health CS inspected healthcare facilities under the Taifa Care initiative. She acknowledged challenges faced by nomadic communities who seek medical assistance without proper identification and assured them of government support.
With substance abuse increasingly affecting young people, the establishment of public rehab centres marks a significant step in Kenya’s fight against addiction, providing hope for individuals struggling to reclaim their lives.
