The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) allocated Sh65.3 million in the 2018-2019 fiscal year to rehabilitate 685 individuals struggling with substance abuse, according to internal records. This marks a decline from Sh115 million spent on 1,634 patients during the preceding financial year. The rehabilitation program covers treatment for chronic drug and alcohol dependency, including cases involving cannabis, heroin, cocaine, and tobacco.
A 2017 National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) survey revealed alcohol abuse as the leading cause of substance use disorders in Kenya. Patients are referred to rehabilitation centers by hospitals, psychiatric facilities, law enforcement, and judicial institutions. The NHIF-funded program follows a three-phase model: detoxification, rehabilitation, and post-treatment support.
NHIF Benefits and Contracting Manager Gilbert Osoro attributed the low uptake of the service to the limited number of accredited rehabilitation centers nationwide. 'Expanding the network of treatment facilities is critical to addressing the growing prevalence of substance abuse,' he stated. The rehabilitation package, established in 2011, operates under a per-member annual fee of Sh30,000 for accredited providers.
