Nairobi City County Opens First Public Rehabilitation Centre in Informal Settlements
In a landmark move to combat the growing menace of drug and substance abuse, the Nairobi City County Government has opened its first public rehabilitation centre at Sinai Health Centre in Viwandani Ward, Embakasi South Sub-County. The facility, which began operations in 2023, provides free outpatient rehabilitation services to victims of substance abuse, marking a major step toward accessible, community-centered recovery programs for residents in informal settlements such as Mukuru kwa Njenga, Mukuru kwa Reuben, and Viwandani.
According to the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) 2022 Survey, Nairobi has the highest prevalence of drug and substance abuse in Kenya, with 19.1% of residents affected. The most vulnerable are youth aged 25–35 years, many of whom live in low-income areas where unemployment, idleness, and the easy availability of illicit drugs drive addiction. Recognizing the lack of affordable treatment options, the County, through the Liquor Board, converted Sinai Health Centre into a rehabilitation facility — investing KSh 39 million in equipment and operations.
The centre offers comprehensive outpatient services including medical care, counselling, and psychosocial support, completely free of charge. This initiative fills a crucial gap, as 95% of rehabilitation centres in Kenya are privately run, charging up to KSh 100,000 for a three-month session — beyond the reach of most residents. Since opening, the centre has registered over 455 patients, significantly reducing drug dependency and associated crimes within Viwandani and neighboring communities.
To ensure sustainability, the centre is registered with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) and managed under the County’s Health, Wellness, and Nutrition Sector. A Facility Management Committee oversees operations, with partnerships established across departments and national agencies to enhance reintegration programs.
The initiative has also strengthened family ties through counselling sessions that help communities accept and support rehabilitated individuals. The County adopted the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) approach, enabling the facility’s establishment within 100 days—a testament to efficient planning and cross-sector collaboration.
The success of the Sinai Rehabilitation Centre underscores the County’s commitment to promoting order, hope, dignity, and opportunity, while setting a benchmark for other counties to emulate. Nairobi officials now recommend expanding such initiatives through public sensitisation, preventive counselling, and affordable day rehabilitation services to curb drug abuse and improve mental health across Kenya.