Rise in Alcohol Abuse Prompts New Rehabilitation Measures

Kenya is stepping up its fight against a growing alcohol abuse crisis with a range of new rehabilitation and policy measures, as government and community leaders warn of its deepening social and health impacts. The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) recently launched a Community‑Based Rehabilitation Framework that shifts focus from punishment to prevention, treatment, and reintegration.In parallel, the government is expanding its Social Health Insurance Fund (Taifa Care) to cover outpatient rehab services, making treatment more accessible
The new rehabilitation framework is part of a holistic strategy developed in collaboration with civil society, health providers, and local governments. It prioritises school-based education, grassroots awareness campaigns, and culturally sensitive rehab centres situated in regions hardest hit by substance abuse At the same time, existing overcrowded private rehab centres are being supplemented with public‑sector investment: Meru County is constructing a KSh 56 million rehabilitation facility with capacity for 33 clients, tailored also to support mental health and counselling for gender-based violence survivors.
On the policy front, the Kenyan Cabinet has approved a landmark National Policy on the Prevention, Management and Control of Alcohol, Drugs & Substance Use (2025), strengthening NACADA’s mandate and putting in place tighter controls on alcohol sales, advertising and access—especially for young people. The policy also includes plans to build new rehab centres in all counties, backed by community-driven interventions to address the root causes of substance abuse.
Advocates and officials believe these reforms could mark a turning point in Kenya’s approach to addiction: one that treats alcohol abuse as a public health concern rather than simply a crime. But with demand already outstripping capacity—rehab centres in some counties, such as Meru, are operating at full capacity —success will depend on sustained funding, community participation, and the effective scaling of prevention and after‑care services.