Uasin Gishu County continues to cement its place as a national leader in the fight against alcohol and substance abuse, as 12 individuals officially graduates from the Moiben Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre after completing a comprehensive 90-day program, offered entirely free of charge under the visionary leadership of Governor Dr Jonathan Bii as outlined in his second pillar of Nguzo kumi. In a spirited graduation ceremony attended by senior government officials,Mtrh CEO representative Dr. Florence Jaguga, NACADA Mr. Robert Olweny representatives and families of the beneficiaries, the county was commended for its consistent investment in addiction recovery. This marks the fourth cohort to graduate from the facility since its initiation, bringing the total number of rehabilitated individuals to 42 and 1,820 people benefiting from the county’s ADCB’s program.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Paul Wangwe Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health praised Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim for fulfilling his second Nguzo manifesto pledge by establishing the centre and ensuring continuous support. ”Addiction is a disease that affects entire families, and what we are witnessing today is the county’s commitment not just to treat, but to transform lives,” said Dr Wangwe. Koiya Arap Maiyo, Director County Alcoholic Drinks Control Board, emphasized that Uasin Gishu is among the only counties in Kenya offering completely free, full-board rehabilitation services, including meals, counselling, and family therapy.
“The estimated cost of rehabilitating one individual is KES 150,000, but our residents do not pay a shilling and this is a bold and compassionate investment our Governor, Dr Jonathan Bii, is giving to our people,” he said. The program, designed with both residential and community-based options, is supported by an extensive grassroots referral network involving ward administrators, sub-county officers, and national government agents, where selection is open, based on need, and spread across all corners of the county. NACADA Regional Manager, Mr. Robert Olweny, noted that Moiben is one of the few centres in the country on track to receive formal accreditation for meeting international treatment standards.
“We’ve inspected and monitored this facility and found it to be a model of excellence. Uasin Gishu is not just talking recovery, but it is implementing it,” he remarked. To bolster capacity, the county is currently constructing a new male wing to host 28 clients, with a female wing planned within the 2025/2026 financial year. In addition, a Level 4 hospital is set to be established on-site, while the county’s essential drug allocation has been increased from KES 240 million to KES 350 million to support long-term recovery, noted Dr. Paul Wangwe Beyond treatment, Uasin Gishu’s aftercare system includes WhatsApp-based alumni support groups, routine follow-ups, mentorship, and entrepreneurship linkages to ensure reintegration and prevent relapse where Some of the day’s attendees included graduates, offering proof of sustained recovery and community reintegration. ”Recovery is a journey, not an event. We follow up even after graduation. We organize meetings, we visit homes, and we provide continuous moral support, and that is why our relapse rates remain low,” said Koiya. Licensing Director David Kebenei noted that under the Department of Trade, they conduct regulation on licensing, posing a major challenge among the youth as gambling and betting, therefore cautioning them to desist from such behavioural addictions.
Moreover, the graduands thanked Governor Bii’s administration for giving them a life-changing opportunity, calling on him to extend the services to as many people as possible who are in need of rehabilitation services.
As Uasin Gishu pushes forward with this life-saving initiative, its model may soon become a benchmark for other countries grappling with rising cases of addiction among youth.
Additionally, the Department of Health Services, through the Alcoholic Drinks Control Board, unveiled a new vehicle to assist in its operations, including fighting against drug and substance abuse.
