Nairobi County government has revoked licences of clubs within residences that play music. The order takes effect immediately.
Speaking on the issue, the Nairobi County government Director of liquor Hesborn Agwena announced that at least 43 entertainment joints in Nairobi will be closed for noise pollution. The new development comes even after Deputy Governor, Njoroge Muchiri, had earlier (last month) assured the bar owners that their businesses would not be closed if only they’d adhere with laid down regulations.
The new turn of events will now see a tug of war between bar or owners and the Nairobi County government come to the public. A few months ago, there was a spat between a resident of Kileleshwa estate and TV personality Trevor Ombija, over what the resident claimed was a noise pollution emenating from a night club whose ownership is associated with the Citizen TV news presenter.
During the spat, Mr Ombija was forced to clarify that they had even gone extra miles to reduce the noise from the club, but the resident would still complain. “We reduced our volume completely, all other neighbours were okay with our attempts, except her – so I offered to go the extra mile of soundproofing as a last resort, but she still refused.” Trevor Ombija had clarified.
On Friday, Nairobi County government acting County Secretary Jairus Musumba reiterated that all the licenses of night clubs operating within the residential areas will be revoked. “Specifically, playing of music must stop by 10 pm,” Musumba said.
He added that all premises selling alcohol in the county must also provide parking space for their clients’ cars, and warned that vehicles found parked in undesignated areas would be impounded.
“Vehicles causing obstruction along roads and footpaths shall be impounded,” he said.
