Uasin Gishu County Leads National Efforts in Free Rehabilitation with 12 Graduates from Moiben Centre
Dr. Paul Wangwe, Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health, lauded Governor Bii for establishing the centre and ensuring sustained support.
Dr Paul Wangwe awarding one of the graduands with certificate
By Jessica Nyaboke
Uasin Gishu County has solidified its position as a trailblazer in combating alcohol and substance abuse, celebrating the graduation of 12 individuals from the Moiben Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre on Saturday.
The group completed a 90-day program, offered entirely free of charge, under Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii’s transformative vision outlined in his Nguzo Kumi manifesto’s second pillar.
This marks the fourth cohort to graduate since the centre’s inception, bringing the total number of rehabilitated individuals to 42, with 1,820 benefiting from the county’s Alcoholic Drinks Control Board (ADCB) program.
The vibrant graduation ceremony, attended by senior government officials, MTRH CEO representative Dr. Florence Jaguga, NACADA’s Mr. Robert Olweny, and the beneficiaries’ families, highlighted the county’s unwavering commitment to addiction recovery.
Dr. Paul Wangwe, Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health, lauded Governor Bii for establishing the centre and ensuring sustained support.
“Addiction impacts entire families, and today we’re witnessing Uasin Gishu’s dedication to not just treat, but transform lives,” he said.
Koiya Arap Maiyo, Director of the County Alcoholic Drinks Control Board, noted that Uasin Gishu is among the few counties in Kenya offering free, full-board rehabilitation services, including meals, counseling, and family therapy, at an estimated cost of KES 150,000 per person.
“Our residents pay nothing, thanks to the bold and compassionate investment by Governor Bii,” he emphasized.
NACADA Regional Manager Robert Olweny praised the centre, stating it’s on track for international accreditation. “Moiben is a model of excellence—Uasin Gishu is implementing recovery, not just talking about it,” he remarked.
The county is expanding its capacity with a new 28-client male wing under construction and a female wing planned for the 2025/2026 financial year. A Level 4 hospital will also be established on-site, supported by an increased drug allocation from KES 240 million to KES 350 million.
The aftercare system, including WhatsApp alumni groups, follow-ups, mentorship, and entrepreneurship linkages, ensures low relapse rates. “Recovery is a journey, not an event,” Koiya said, highlighting their comprehensive support.
Graduates expressed gratitude to Governor Bii, urging him to extend the life-changing services to more people. The county also unveiled a new vehicle to bolster ADCB operations in the fight against substance abuse, setting a potential benchmark for other regions battling youth addiction.
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