With many of the best rehabilitation centers in Kenya charging upwards of KES 200,000 for a three-month program, access to treatment remains out of reach for many who desperately need help.
Fortunately, some of the best rehabilitation centers in Kenya accept SHA, meaning you may not have to cover the full cost of treatment out of pocket. In this article, we review the top 10 best rehabs in Kenya that accept SHA.
We also break down the different schemes available under SHA rehab package. Furthermore, we will discuss how to use SHA for rehab treatment and everything else you need to know about the SHA mental health package.
Top SHA accredited rehabs in Kenya
The Social Health Authority (SHA) is the public body responsible for administering Kenya’s universal health care system, replacing the former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) on October 1 2024.
SHA manages a broad range of healthcare schemes, including services for mental health and rehabilitation, ensuring that insured Kenyans have access to approved facilities where treatment costs can be partly or fully covered under the national health insurance plan. Below are some of the best SHA-approved rehab centers in Kenya.
- Primrose Rehab and Wellness – A top-rated residential rehabilitation in Kenya loved for its patient-centered approaches.
- Chiromo Bustani – A premier hospital-based rehabilitation owned by Kenyan psychiatrist, Dr Frank Njenga.
- The Retreat – A top rehab center with branches in Ngong and Limuru operating under Chiromo Hospital Group.
- Zawena Treatment Center – A fast-rising rehabilitation center located along Ndumberi – Limuru road.
- Nueva Esperanza Treatment and Rehab Centre – An upcoming rehabilitation center located in Membley Estate, Ruiru.
- Lifebridge Hospital – A hospital-based rehab center providing a wide range of interventions.
- Blessed Talbot Treatment Center – A top-rated level 4B rehabilitation center located in Ndumberi Town.
- Mariakani Nursing and Rehabilitation Center – A high quality treatment center popular with TSE clients.
- JOMEC Rehabilitation Center – A popular rehabilitation center owned by former Naivasha MP – John Mututho.
Primrose Rehab and Wellness
Primrose Rehab and Wellness is a reputable rehabilitation center near Nairobi that focuses on treating substance use disorders and related mental health conditions.
The facility offers residential treatment using a holistic and client-centered approach that combines medical care, counseling, family therapy, and wellness activities to support long-term recovery.
The center is operated by a multidisciplinary team that includes consultant psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, nutritionists, and spiritual leaders. Its approach to treatment is trauma-informed, which makes it ideal for most clients with substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
Primrose Rehab and Wellness is accredited by relevant Kenyan authorities and is among the few rehabilitation centers in Kenya that accept the Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance cover. It also works with several private insurance providers, making treatment more accessible for patients seeking funded care.
Located in a quiet environment along Kiambu Road, the center provides a supportive and structured setting designed to help individuals rebuild healthy, substance-free lives.
Chiromo Bustani
Chiromo Bustani is another well-known rehabilitation center in Kenya that accepts SHA and private insurance. The center is part of Chiromo Hospital Group, owned by Dr Frank Njenga.
The rehabilitation center provides treatment for people struggling with alcoholism/drugs addiction, mental health disorders, and psychological issues. Their programs include psychiatric evaluation, detox, counselling, and psychoeducation.
Chiromo Bustani is recognized for its clinical approach to treatment, with psychiatrists and mental health professionals providing structured care plans for patients. The facility also offers additional treatment options such as medical management and advanced therapies when necessary.
While the facility has received negative publicity in the recent past, it still remains a top choice among the best rehabilitation centers in Kenya. Chiromo Bustani is located in Lavington area, Nairobi Kenya.
The Retreat
The Retreat is a well-established rehabilitation center in the Nairobi area that focuses on treating substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. The facility operates branches in Ngong and Limuru and provides structured residential and outpatient treatment programs for individuals seeking recovery from addiction.
The center uses a multidisciplinary approach, with psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers working together to create individualized treatment plans. Programs typically include medical care, individual therapy, group counselling, family therapy, and aftercare support to help clients maintain long-term recovery. The Retreat also integrates social, spiritual, and wellness elements into treatment to address the broader needs of patients.
The facility is known for providing a calm and structured environment designed to support healing and personal growth. It accepts coverage from the Social Health Authority (SHA) as well as multiple private insurance providers, helping make treatment more accessible for insured patients seeking professional addiction care.
Overall, The Retreat is considered one of the prominent rehabilitation centers in Kenya, offering comprehensive addiction treatment in a supportive and professionally managed setting.
Zawena Treatment Center
Zawena also tops the lists of the best rehabilitation centers in Kenya that accept full or partial payments through SHA and private insurance.
The center is located along Ndumberi–Limuru Road in Kiambu County, set within the quiet tea-growing region outside Nairobi. Zawena provides treatment for all substance use disorders and also manages various psychiatric conditions.
Being a SHA accredited rehab means that they accept partial SHA payments for patients under the ordinary scheme and full payments for civil servants. Zawena also accepts a variety of private insurers.
Nueva Esperanza Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre
Nueva Esperanza Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre is a private residential rehabilitation center located in Membley Estate, Ruiru, just off Thika Road near Nairobi.
The center is among the best rehabs in Kenya that focuses on treating alcohol and drug dependency through structured clinical programs designed to address both addiction and underlying mental health conditions.
It is fully accredited by Kenyan regulatory bodies such as NACADA and the Ministry of Health through the KMPDC, ensuring that its services meet national standards for addiction treatment. The facility offers a personalized treatment approach, accommodating a small number of clients at a time to allow for individualized care plans.
Programs typically include medically supervised detoxification, psychotherapy, relapse-prevention therapy, and holistic treatment methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy and wellness-focused activities. Nueva is one of the top-rated SHA-accredited rehabilitation centers in Kenya.
Lifebridge Hospital
Lifebridge Hospital is another popular option for clients looking for a SHA-approved rehab in Kenya. The center is located along the Northern Bypass in the Roysambu/Mirema area of Nairobi.
Lifebridge provides a wide range of interventions for clients struggling with substance use disorders and mental health conditions. The center is hospital-based, meaning that it puts more emphasis on the pharmacological side of treatment. Based on clients’ feedback, Lifebridge Hospital seems to lag behind in customer service.
Nonetheless, it still remains a top choice in Kenya, especially for clients with mental conditions. Lifebridge Hospital is owned by another renowned Kenyan psychiatric doctor.
Blessed Talbot Treatment Center
Blessed Talbot Treatment Center (also known as Blessed Talbot Medical Centre) is a psychiatric and rehabilitation facility located in Ndumberi, Kiambu County, a short distance from Nairobi. Established in 2005, the center was founded to respond to the growing need for accessible mental health and addiction treatment services in Kenya.
Today it operates as a Level 4B specialist psychiatric facility, providing both inpatient and outpatient care for individuals dealing with substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
Blessed Talbot is a SHA accredited treatment center, meaning that it accepts partial or full payments through the Social Health Authority cover. Being a level 4B psychiatric hospital, the rehab center enjoys high SHA premiums for the mental wellness package.
Mariakani Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Mariakani Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is another SHA accredited rehabilitation center in Nairobi Kenya.
The facility is located in South C and offers a wide range of interventions for clients with substance use disorders among other mental health conditions. Mariakani Nursing and Rehabilitation Center operates as a Level 3 healthcare facility serving residents in Nairobi and surrounding areas.
It is recognized among the rehabilitation centers in Kenya that are SHA approved. Mariakani accepts both the ordinary and civil servants scheme, with patients under the POMSF enjoying full coverage for both detox and rehabilitation.
While Mariakani Nursing Home ranks top among rehabilitation centers accepting SHA, we couldn’t verify if it’s among the best institutions. This is because it has very few reviews on the web.
JOMEC Rehabilitation Center
JOMEC is a seasoned rehabilitation center in Kenya affiliated to the former NACADA chairman – John Mututho. The center is registered as a nursing home under level 3A KMPDC license.
Like most level 3A nursing homes in Kenya, JOMEC accepts partial or full payments through the Social Health Authority (SHA). The center is considerably priced, with the costs for a 3 months program ranging from KES 150,000 to KES 250,000.
Despite being a popular rehab center, JOMEC has very few Google reviews. Moreover, it has significant negative feedback, with many complaining about its low quality amenities and poor communication.
Also based on how this center responds to Google reviews, it’s evident that their staff are very unprofessional.
SHA Approved Rehab Centers in Kenya: Coverage, Costs, and How to Find Them
The cost of rehabilitation services in Kenya is high, with some rehabs charging as high as a KES 500,000 for a 90 days program. Fortunately, rehabilitation services are covered under SHA, although the ordinary scheme doesn’t cover the entire treatment.
The Social Health Authority (SHA) accredits certain rehabilitation facilities where members can receive treatment under their health cover. Below, we explain how to find SHA-approved rehab centers in Kenya and highlight how much is covered under different SHA schemes.
How to Find SHA-approved Rehabilitation Centers in Kenya
If you are looking for a rehabilitation facility that accepts SHA, the first step is to check the official list of accredited facilities provided by the Social Health Authority.
The SHA website contains a directory of hospitals and healthcare facilities approved to provide services under the national insurance scheme.
However, being listed does not necessarily guarantee the quality of care you may receive. Before selecting a rehabilitation center in Kenya, it is important to conduct proper due diligence by:
- Checking the center’s treatment programs
- Confirming the qualifications of medical staff
- Reading patient reviews and testimonials
- Assessing the success rate and recovery support services
Taking these steps will help you identify reputable rehabilitation centers in Kenya that offer effective treatment. Learn about the best rehab centers in Kenya in 2026 here.
Which Rehabilitation Centers in Kenya Are SHA Approved?
Not all rehabilitation centers in Kenya are eligible for SHA accreditation. For a rehabilitation center to qualify, it must first be registered and licensed as a hospital or nursing home by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC).
Many rehabilitation centers in Kenya operate as behaviour change centers not licensed by the KMPDC, which means they do not meet the regulatory classification required for SHA accreditation. As a result, only a limited number of rehabilitation centers in Kenya are approved under the SHA scheme.
Patients should therefore confirm with the rehabilitation center before starting treatment.
How Much Does SHA Cover for Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation?
The amount covered by SHA for substance abuse treatment depends on the member’s insurance category.
Ordinary SHA Members Rehab Package
For members under the standard SHA scheme, coverage for alcohol and drug rehabilitation is limited. SHA only covers KES 67,200 per year for a 3-month rehabilitation program. If the treatment cost exceeds this amount, the patient may need to pay the remaining balance out of pocket.
Top rehab centers in Kenya such as Primrose Rehab and Wellness charge about KES 230,000 for a 3 months program. This means that you will have to pay around KES 170,000 cash. Payments are usually in instalments.
It’s important that you ask for an official quotation from your rehab of choice before the commencement of treatment.
Civil Servants SHA rehab package
Civil servants receive enhanced medical benefits through the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF).Under this scheme, the full cost of rehabilitation treatment may be covered, depending on eligibility and the treatment facility. The services covered under the POMSF package include;
- Inpatient rehabilitation programs
- Medical detoxification and monitoring
- Psychological counselling and therapy
- Psychiatric evaluation and treatment
- Medication management
- Recovery support and follow-up care
SHA for Mental Health Services Packages
SHA not only covers rehabilitation services but also mental health services in general. Through the mental wellness package, patients are covered for treatment of conditions such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, PTSD, personality disorders, mood disorders, panic disorders, and many others.
The daily rebate for level 3A treatment centers is KES 2240 while that of level 4B centers is KES 3360, which usually caters for bed charges alone. Consequently, patients under the ordinary scheme may be required to top up based on their needs.
How to register with SHA for mental health services
You need to register with SHA to be eligible for the benefits under the rehabilitation or mental wellness package. Unlike with NHIF where patients had to register and wait for at least 6 months for the benefits to be activated, with SHA, you enjoy the benefits immediately after registration. To register with SHA, dial *147# on your phone and follow the prompts.
Please note that your monthly contribution will be determined by how you respond to the questions. The monthly contribution amount can be as low as KES 300 for needy cases or as high as KES 2,500 for those deemed as well-off. The SHA system analyses how you respond to the questions to determine how much you should contribute.
Also worth mentioning is that the contributions are calculated on a monthly basis but must be paid annually.
How to find the best rehabs in Kenya
Not all rehabs centers in Kenya are equal, so you need to do your due diligence before settling on a treatment facility. Before enrolling yourself or your loved one in any rehabilitation program, consider the following:
- Whether the facility is SHA accredited
- The total cost of the treatment program
- Availability of qualified medical professionals
- Aftercare and relapse prevention programs
- The type of addiction treatment offered
These factors can make a significant difference in long-term recovery outcomes. Here is an article that explains how to find the best rehabilitation centers in Kenya.
Best SHA Approved Rehabs in Kenya Review Verdict
While SHA provides some financial support for alcohol and drug rehabilitation in Kenya, only accredited hospitals and nursing homes qualify for coverage. Patients should always verify accreditation and coverage limits before beginning treatment.
Under the ordinary scheme, SHA only covers KES 67,200 for a 3 months program, meaning that you will need to pay the rest of the fees in cash. Most rehabs in Kenya charge between KSH 150,000 and KSH 300,000 for a 3 months program. Consequently, you will still need to pay a significant amount in cash.
For civil servants, SHA provides comprehensive rehabilitation services coverage under the POMSF and Mwalimu Cover. You can contact any of the rehab centers in Kenya reviewed in this post for more information about SHA coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find SHA covered rehab centers in Kenya?
You can find SHA-accredited rehabilitation centers on the official SHA website. However, not all the centers in the list are worth their salt, so it’s important that you conduct thorough due diligence to find the best rehabilitation centers in Kenya.
Which rehabs in Kenya are SHA approved?
Not all rehabilitation centers in Kenya are accredited by SHA since only a few are registered as hospitals or nursing homes. For a rehab to qualify for accreditation, it must be registered and licensed by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Council (KMPDC) as a nursing home or a hospital.
How much does SHA pay for alcohol rehabilitation?
The amount covered by SHA for drug and alcohol rehabilitation services depends on whether you are under the ordinary or civil servants scheme. Under the ordinary scheme, only KES 67,200 is covered in a 3 months program. For civil servants, SHA covers the entire treatment cost under the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF).
How soon can I use SHA for rehab after registration?
You can use SHA for rehabilitation services immediately after registration. However, to access the benefits, you must first pay one year of premiums in advance.
