The financial reality of seeking addiction treatment is often the first hurdle families face. With substance abuse affecting thousands of Kenyan households, understanding what you will pay out-of-pocket, what insurance covers, and how the Social Health Authority (SHA) contributes is crucial to making an informed, timely decision.
On average, a standard 90-day (3-month) residential inpatient program in Kenya ranges from KES 150,000 to KES 300,000 at accredited mid-tier facilities.
| Fee Component | Estimated Cost (KES) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Detoxification | 15,000 - 25,000 | One-off (upon admission) |
| Standard Monthly Residential Program | 60,000 - 100,000 | Charged monthly |
| Psychiatric & Specialized Care | Bundled or 3,000 - 5,000 per session | As required |
The Cost Breakdown: What are you paying for?
- Medical Detoxification (Detox): This is usually a one-off fee at admission. It covers the immediate medical management of withdrawal symptoms under professional nursing and pharmacological care.
- Monthly Residential Care: Standard private facilities charge a base rate of KES 60,000 to KES 80,000 per month. This covers secure accommodation, three balanced meals a day, daily group therapy, and individual counseling sessions.
- Professional Consultations: Look for facilities that bundle psychiatric, psychological, and counselor visits into their monthly rate to avoid surprise bills at the end of the month.
How does SHA (formerly NHIF) cover rehabilitation in 2026?
With the transition from NHIF to SHA, the coverage dynamics have changed:
- Ordinary SHA Members: The standard scheme allocates up to KES 67,200 towards a rehabilitation program at accredited facilities. This means you must top up the balance (e.g., if a program costs KES 180,000, your cash top-up will be roughly KES 112,800, which professional centers typically allow you to pay in flexible monthly installments).
- Civil Servants & Corporate Schemes: Those on specialized civil service or comprehensive corporate schemes can often access enhanced rehabilitation coverage—inclusive of inpatient stays, psychiatric evaluation, detox, and medication management—with minimal out-of-pocket expenses.
- Our Approach: At New Horizons Rehabilitation Centre, we believe in complete financial transparency. We offer affordable, structured payment plans and work closely with your insurance or SHA provider to minimize your out-of-pocket stress. Contact our financial counseling desk today for a free estimate.
Helpful answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common questions related to this article.
A standard 90-day (3-month) residential rehabilitation program in Kenya typically costs between KES 150,000 and KES 300,000, depending on the facility, level of care, accommodation, and specialized services such as psychiatric treatment or medically supervised detoxification.
Yes. The Social Health Authority (SHA) provides coverage for rehabilitation services at accredited facilities, subject to the member's eligibility and benefit limits. Ordinary SHA members may receive partial funding toward treatment, while some corporate and civil service medical schemes offer more comprehensive rehabilitation benefits. Patients are encouraged to confirm their coverage with both SHA and their chosen rehabilitation center before admission.
Most residential rehabilitation programs include medically supervised detoxification (where required), accommodation, nutritious meals, individual and group therapy, counseling sessions, relapse prevention education, and aftercare planning. Some facilities also include psychiatric consultations and medication management within their monthly fees, while others charge separately.
Many rehabilitation centers in Kenya understand that treatment is a significant financial commitment and therefore offer flexible payment plans or monthly installment options. If you are using SHA or private health insurance, the facility can often help coordinate your benefits and advise you on the remaining balance payable before admission.
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