Timau: In the rural town of Timau in Kenya, a group of religious sisters is quietly changing lives by helping people overcome addiction and mental health challenges. At the Holy Innocents BPSS Centre, the sisters work alongside trained professionals to offer care, hope and a second chance to those often rejected by society .
The centre was founded in 2021 by Bishop Salesius Mugambi and Sr Veronica Nkirote Rukunga. It is run by the Servants of the Holy Innocents Sisters and was created in response to the growing crisis of alcohol and drug abuse in Kenya, along with rising mental health concerns.
Known in the community as the Friends of the Drunkards, the sisters focus on healing without judgement. Their mission is to support the most wounded members of society with compassion, dignity and patience.
Sr Veronica explains that the congregation’s work is inspired by Mary standing beside her suffering son. In the same way, the sisters choose to stand with people struggling with addiction and mental illness. Since the centre opened, many patients have completed treatment and returned to their families and communities. Some have even gone on to find stable work and rebuild their lives.
The Holy Innocents BPSS Centre operates around the clock and follows a holistic approach known as BPSS, which looks after the biological, psychological, social and spiritual needs of each patient. Care is not limited to medical treatment alone but includes counselling, therapy, spiritual guidance and social support.
Sr Purity Mathenge, the administrator of the centre, says both inpatient and outpatient services are offered. These include medical detox, psychiatric care, group and individual therapy, and follow up support after discharge. She notes that seeing people once living on the streets now working and living with purpose is what keeps the team motivated.
Professional care is a key part of the programme. Clinical psychologist Kelvin Mwega explains that patients are carefully assessed before admission, including medical tests. Treatment plans are then tailored to each person. Family therapy, life skills training and home visits are also used to reduce the risk of relapse.
The work of the sisters has drawn strong support from the wider community. Lay associates like Vincent Mutwiri help with outreach, awareness programmes and advocacy. He says the sisters’ simple and sincere love has earned them deep respect.
Caregivers at the centre also send a message to those who are suffering. Sr Joan Nyakato reminds people that addiction and mental illness are not the end of life. She encourages anyone struggling to reach out and speak openly, assuring them that they are not alone.
In a society where addiction is often met with shame and silence, the Holy Innocents BPSS Centre stands as a place of healing and hope. Through faith, professional care and human kindness, the sisters continue to show that recovery is possible and every life is worth saving.