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FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions

NACADA DOES NOT License Alcoholic Drinks-selling outlets. This is because liquor licensing is a function devolved to County Governments under Section 4(c) under the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution.

NACADA DOES NOT Control noise in bars and other alcohol-selling outlets. Control of noise and noise pollution is the function of the National Environment Management Authority which prohibits the production of any loud, unreasonable, unnecessary or unusual noise which annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health or safety of others and the environment. The Environmental Management and Coordination (Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution) (Control) Regulations, 2009, which is currently been enforced by Count Government, provides for permissible level of noise emission.

NACADA DOES NOT Arrest drug barons. The Authority does not arrest drug barons since its mandate is to formulate and implement policy for the control of alcohol and drug abuse. The Authority may however advise agencies to take the remedial measures necessary to address gaps, weaknesses and loopholes in the enforcement of laws or implementation of policies in drug control.

NACADA DOES NOT Offer treatment and rehabilitation services. The Authority does not offer inpatient/residential treatment and rehabilitation services. However, the Authority runs a 24-hours National helpline service where Addiction Counselors are available to give on-phone counselling and referral services. The Authority’s mandated is to provide and facilitate the development and operation of rehabilitation facilities, programmes and standards for persons suffering from substance use disorders while licensing and regulating the operations of rehabilitation facilities for persons suffering from substance use disorders in collaboration with other lead agencies and subject to written law

  • Trainings on prevention and treatment of drug use and abuse. Prevention programmes are tailored for schools, workplaces, religious institutions and the community at large with the aim of preventing vulnerable populations from using or abusing drugs.
  •  Trainings on treatment of drug and substance abuse is tailored for professionals in the field of addiction.
  •  Inspection and certification of rehabilitation centres and facilities for compliance to national standards.
  •  Counseling and referrals for clients with Substance Use Disorders
  •  Research and surveys on trends in drug use and abuse • Coordinate enforcement activities on noncompliance to the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2010.

At the moment, it does not. NACADA offers technical support in its various prevention and certification programmes based on a needs analysis of partners and encourages partnership and cost-sharing in a spirit of mutual benefit.

You should apply through your respective County Liquor Licensing Committee who will vet your application after which you will be issued with a liquor license.

Licensing of bars and other alcohol-selling outlets have been devolved to the counties. The licensing is carried out by the County Liquor Licensing Committee which vets, approves and issues licenses these licenses.

In case you feel that there are too many bars in and around your estate, you can petition your County Liquor Licensing Committee not to renew the licenses of these bars through your estate association.

Through the County Inter-Agency Committee and the Security agencies, NACADA coordinates enforcement activities on licensing of any alcohol-selling outlet in the country for compliance to the relevant laws and regulations such as ADCA, 2010, Anti-Counterfeit laws, etc.

For direct reporting of any malpractices, call NACADA free helpline service 1192, 24 hours a day, every day. You can also call the Ministry of Interior Service Number +254-20-2227411.

On average, the cost of treatment and rehabilitation of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) / addiction, ranges from Ksh120,000/- Ksh500,000/- (One Hundred and twenty thousand shillings to five hundred thousand shillings only) for the ninety-day rehabilitation programme in Kenya.

Addiction/ Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) has been recognized as a disease in Kenya and county governments have begun developing treatment and rehabilitation facilities and services. The National Hospital Insurance Fund supports drug addiction treatment for all members with updated accounts up to Ksh60,000/-. (Sixty Thousand Shillings only)

It is always better to prevent drug use and abuse rather than treat the disease.

Currently, NACADA has accredited seventy (70) treatment and rehabilitation facilities in the country. (Click here for full list) Other centers are awaiting inspection by NACADA to ensure they meet the National Standards for Treatment and Rehabilitation Services and Facilities before being accredited to operate.

Alcohol is the leading substance abused in Kenya followed by tobacco and bhang respectively.

  • Call NACADA Free Helpline Service 1192, every day, 24 hours a day via Safaricom or Telkom or email help@nacada.go.ke