Duale revealed that he had instructed the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) not to allow nightclubs in residential areas to continue operating if they don’t comply with the soundproofing and environmental laws.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has revealed that clubs operating in residential areas which were shut down must fully comply with relevant laws before being allowed to resume business.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 22, Duale revealed that he had instructed the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) not to allow nightclubs in residential areas to continue operating if they don’t comply with the soundproofing and environmental laws.
“Going forward, NEMA will not permit clubs in residential areas unless they fully comply with soundproofing and environmental laws. The era of impunity by club owners and private developers must end,” he announced.
CS Aden Duale during a meeting with NEMA officials on October 22, 2024. /ADEN DUALE
Duale declared this as he tasked NEMA to go hard on noise pollution from the clubs as well as other forms of pollution brought about by nighttime construction, improper waste disposal and air quality.
The CS maintained that the multi-agency operation will be led by the NEMA Police Unit and that it marks the beginning of a nationwide anti-pollution campaign.
His directive comes after he ordered the closure of the Fay Bistro Club in Kilimani Estate due to noise pollution.
In a statement, the CS noted that the establishment had violated various laws governing the operations of entertainment joints regarding noise pollution.
“I have ordered the immediate closure of Fay’s Bistro club in Kilimani, Nairobi, for noise violations. The NEMA Director General, accompanied by the NEMA Police unit, is on-site to enforce the closure,” the CS noted, afterwhich officials from Nairobi County and NEMA swung into action to enforce the closure on Sunday, October 20.
The crackdown and tough regulations are in response to charged complaints from Nairobi residents that they have not got peaceful nights of sleep on account of loud music from entertainment joints near their residences which they argued violated their rights.
CS Duale’s intervention at Fay Bistro was however viewed as a unique event given that Nairobi County Environment Chief Officer Geofrey Moisira was blocked by an alleged owner to check whether they had adhered to soundproofing laws.
Mosiria on his part has been lauded for his relentless efforts to crack down on noisy joints, including clubs and churches, in response to cries by residents regarding the two notorious places causing mayhem to their peaceful nights at home.
Nairobi County’s Environment Chief Officer, Geoffrey Mosiria during different crackdowns on churches and nightclubs. /TIKTOK.GEOFFREY MOSIRIA
