The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) allocated Ksh 65.3 million in the 2017/2018 financial year to cover rehabilitation for 685 patients with substance use disorders, according to internal records. This marked a significant decline from the Ksh 115 million spent on 1,634 patients during the preceding 2016/2017 fiscal period.
A 2017 NACADA survey revealed alcohol use disorders affected 10.4% of Kenyans aged 15-65, with the Nairobi region reporting the highest prevalence at 18.4%. Other regions showed rates of 13.1% (Western), 10.7% (Rift Valley), 10.6% (Eastern), 9.6% (Nyanza), 8.7% (Coast), 8.3% (Central), and 1.4% (North Eastern).
Referrals for rehabilitation come from hospitals, psychiatric professionals, religious institutions, law enforcement, and judicial bodies. The program includes three stages: detoxification, rehabilitation, and aftercare, with treatment durations up to 90 days. Services encompass family therapy, individual and group counseling, and residential drug-free care.
Mr. Gilbert Osoro, NHIF Benefits and Contracting Manager, noted the rehabilitation package has operated since 2011 but faces utilization challenges due to limited accredited facilities. Currently, only five centers exist—primarily in Nairobi and Kiambu counties—with Mathari Mental Hospital serving as the sole government-run national referral facility.
The scheme mandates a Ksh 30,000 annual fee per patient, covering three-month treatment cycles. Despite this, expansion of rehabilitation infrastructure remains a priority to address rising substance abuse cases, as highlighted by Osoro.
