The recent discovery and shutdown of Better Me Rehabilitation Centre in Meru expose systemic weaknesses in Kenya’s drug treatment and rehabilitation ecosystem. The Unlicensed facility was found violating multiple standards: torture, illegal detention, lack of qualified care, and unsanitary conditions—all while housing minors. The Standard+1
These violations have raised urgent questions about how many such facilities operate unchecked. Under NACADA’s mandate, rehab centres must meet licensing, healthcare, staffing, safety, and human rights criteria. This case suggests gaps in monitoring and enforcement have allowed exploitation. The Star+1
In response, NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa announced a crackdown and the rollout of a Community-Based Rehabilitation Framework to ensure safe and accessible alternatives. The Standard+1
The policy implications are clear:
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Regulatory oversight must be strengthened—more frequent inspections, stricter licensing enforcement.
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Licensing records should be public so families can verify before committing a loved one.
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Investments needed in certified rehabs with trained staff, especially in underserved counties.
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Legal accountability for operators found abusing patients—human rights violations cannot go unpunished.
The case of Better Me should serve as a wake-up call: rehab should heal, not harm.
