By Wasike Elvis
There was celebration and renewed hope at the Uasin Gishu County Rehabilitation Centre in Moiben as 12 individuals graduated after successfully completing a three-month intensive rehabilitation program for alcohol and drug addiction. This marked the fourth graduation ceremony held since the center was launched, with the event drawing county officials, health professionals, family members, and former graduates in a powerful show of community support.
The event was presided over by Koiya Arap Maiyo, Director of the Uasin Gishu Alcoholic Drinks Control Board, who praised the courage of the graduates and the unwavering commitment of the county government. Since Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim assumed leadership in 2022, the county has rehabilitated 1,820 individuals, many of whom had reached the lowest points in their lives due to addiction.
“Before coming here, many of these people were completely lost. Some couldn’t walk or talk properly. Some had been abandoned by their families. But now, they are healthy, productive, and hopeful again,” said Mr. Maiyo. “This transformation wouldn’t be possible without the vision and support of Governor Bii. Treating just one person costs over KES 150,000, and yet the county continues to invest in this because we are committed to saving lives.”
Building for the Future
The ceremony also served as an opportunity to unveil the county’s ambitious future plans to expand and improve rehabilitation services. Construction of a modern male rehabilitation wing capable of hosting 28 clients is currently underway and is expected to be completed within two months. The county is also preparing to launch a first-of-its-kind women’s wing in the 2025/2026 financial year, addressing a long-overdue gap in addiction recovery services for women.
“We are breaking history,” said Maiyo. “For the first time, women in Uasin Gishu will have a dedicated facility for rehabilitation. This is not just about treatment—it’s about dignity, equality, and giving every resident a second chance.”
To complement these efforts, the county has procured a new rescue vehicle to help identify and safely transport individuals in need of help to the facility.
Beyond Recovery: A Lifelong Commitment
Dr. Paul Wangwe, Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health, commended the county’s holistic approach to rehabilitation, noting that the services go far beyond detoxification.
“Addiction is a disease that destroys families, communities, and economies. But what we are witnessing here today is not just healing; it is transformation,” said Dr. Wangwe. “We have WhatsApp-based alumni groups, mentorship programs, and continuous follow-ups to ensure that no one falls through the cracks.”
According to Dr. Wangwe, the county is also establishing a Level 4 hospital at the rehabilitation center to support medical and psychiatric care for clients. The county’s essential drug budget has been raised from KES 240 million to 350 million, ensuring long-term support for mental and substance abuse recovery.
“We don’t just let go of our clients after graduation. We walk with them. We visit them. We help them reintegrate into society. That’s why our relapse rates are among the lowest nationally,” he added.
Personal Stories of Triumph
Two of the graduates, Thomas Yator and Lamek Kimaru, shared emotional testimonies about their journeys through addiction and recovery.
“I lost everything—my family, my dignity, even my freedom. I was jailed because of alcohol. But today, I am a new man,” said Yator. “Thanks to Governor Bii and the rehabilitation team, I can now live a happy life and rebuild my future.”
Lamek Kimaru echoed those sentiments. “Alcohol had made me a useless person in society. But now I am healed. I encourage others who are struggling—please seek help. You can recover too.”
Joan Chebon, coordinator for Mental Health and Rehabilitation Services, said the center is committed to following up with graduates for up to a year after discharge to ensure full reintegration. “We not only track their progress, but we also help them find work or start businesses. Our goal is to make them productive members of society,” she said.
Fighting Back Against Illicit Alcohol
Alongside rehabilitation, the county continues to clamp down hard on the production and sale of illicit liquor, which has devastated countless lives. Every month, officials seize and destroy over 10,000 litres of illegal brews, and over 100 individuals are prosecuted for related offenses.
“Illegal alcohol has destroyed our youth, rendered many useless, and broken families,” said Mr. Maiyo. “We are committed to wiping it out completely.”
He also criticized what he called the “glamorization” of alcohol through media and advertising. “It is sad that alcohol is being marketed as a symbol of success, especially during football matches. Why don’t they show the people who ended up in ditches because of alcohol?” he asked. “Like betting ads, alcohol advertising should be banned. The little money the government earns is nothing compared to what we spend on rehabilitation and what we lose in human potential.”
Open to All
The county emphasized that the rehabilitation program is open to any Uasin Gishu resident who needs help. Selection is based on referrals from grassroots structures including ward administrators, sub-county officers, and national government agents to ensure fairness and accessibility across all corners of the county.
“We are not waiting for people to come to us. We go to the villages, identify those in need, and bring them here. We are building a model of recovery that can be replicated nationwide,” said Dr. Wangwe.
Anyone interested in rehabilitation services is encouraged to visit the KVDA building, fourth floor, for assistance and assessment.
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