Runyenjes Rehabilitation Centre for Mental Wellness and Recovery in
Meru county /ALICE WAITHERAThe Meru government is in the process of constructing Sh56 million rehabilitation facility that is expected to give a major boost to the fight against drugs and alcohol abuse.
Runyenje Rehabilitation Centre for Mental Wellness and Recovery will have the capacity to accommodate 33 patients at a time and is set to be completed in eight months.
Health executive Dennis Mugambi said the project will relieve many families affected by addiction.
Earlier this year, the county had announced that the available private rehabilitation centres had been overwhelmed by the high number of addicts seeking treatment.
This is despite the fact that rehabilitation services in private facilities are expensive and said to cost between Sh150,000 and Sh200,000.
Mugambi said establishing the facility will go a long way in addressing the issue that has been taking a toll on the community.
“Providing easy access to treatment will make it possible for affected youths to be rehabilitated and resume their lives,” he said.
He observed that addiction adversely affects the county’s productivity and the economy as most people affected are in their prime.
Under the facility, residents will also access mental healthcare as well as counselling services for survivors of gender-based violence cases.
“This facility will help rescue our young people from addiction. When they recover, they will be able to work and contribute to the growth of Meru’s economy,” he said.
His gender, youth and sports counterpart Kagwiria Murega said the project is part of the county administration’s efforts to uplift the living standards of residents.
Meru health executive Dennis Mugambi during a visit to Runyenje Rehabilitation Centre for Mental Wellness and Recovery/FILEShe said once complete, the centre will provide a turning point for many young people struggling with alcoholism and drugs addiction in the county.
Murega said it will be well-equipped with the necessary drugs and professionals.
In 2023, the Meru County Alcoholic Drinks Control Board revealed that about 59 per cent of residents serving jail sentences committed the offences while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. It said about 16 per cent of primary school learners and 33 per cent of secondary school students were addicts.
The board has been undertaking numerous activities to sensitise residents on the effects of drugs and alcohol while shutting down bars breaching the law.
CEO Mbaabu Muguna said in July this year, more than 200 outlets have been closed down for selling expired drinks, illicit brews or operating poorly maintained bars.
“The consequences of addition in this county are worrying. About 23 per cent of workers who have lost their jobs suffer from alcoholism while about four out of every 100 deaths are linked to alcohol-related causes,” he said.
Muguna also noted that addiction had contributed to the high health burden in the region, with many health facilities continuously reporting rising illnesses tied to excessive drinking.
He also pointed out that most addicts start with alcohol consumption before progressing to other drugs such as bhang, urging bar operators to refer those worst affected to the county administration for rehabilitation.
Instant Analysis
In 2023, the Meru County Alcoholic Drinks Control Board had revealed that about 59 per cent of residents serving jail sentences committed the offences while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and that about 16 per cent of primary school learners and 33 per cent of secondary school students were addicts. Addiction has been blamed for the high health burden in the region with many health facilities continuously reporting rising illnesses tied to excessive drinking.
