Authorities in Kenya have ordered the immediate closure of the Ehsan Rehabilitation Centre following the rescue of a 14-year-old boy and the discovery of alleged child abuse, physical assault, illegal detention, and other serious violations at the facility.

The underage boy was among victims rescued during a dawn raid led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) in conjunction with a multi-agency team.

The discovery of the minor at the facility became a central factor in the decision to shut down the rehabilitation centre, with investigators citing violations of child protection laws and treatment standards.

The operation, which also led to the rescue of eight foreign nationals, revealed that the six-month-old facility had been admitting underage clients without legal safeguards, specialised services, or compliance with child protection requirements.Investigators found the minor had allegedly been subjected to physical assault while under the facility's care.NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa condemned the actions, calling them a grave violation of children's rights and welfare.The child was immediately placed under the care of the Department of Children Services.

Further findings included the facility admitting patients with severe mental illnesses like Schizophrenia without a psychiatrist or specialised personnel, exposing them to health risks.

The inspection also uncovered allegations of human rights violations, including a so-called 'strong room' used to confine clients, which officials deemed inconsistent with treatment standards.The multi-agency team recommended the facility's closure and referred the matter to law enforcement for investigations.

NACADA intensified its crackdown on rogue rehabilitation centres, warning that institutions violating laws or endangering patients would face legal action.The operation sends a clear message that exploitation and abuse of vulnerable individuals, especially children, will not be tolerated in Kenya.