The initiative saw church leaders and the county government led by Governor Johnson Sakaja reach an agreement on how to manage noise pollution which usually emanates from loudspeakers and other instruments in church.
The Nairobi County government has moved to tame the perennial issue of noise pollution coming from churches, especially during Sunday services and night vigils known as keshas, in an initiative which will see residents enjoy peaceful nights and Sundays.
The initiative saw church leaders and the county government led by Governor Johnson Sakaja reach an agreement on how to manage noise pollution which usually emanates from loudspeakers and other instruments in church.
This plan seeks to establish agreed-upon times for churches to turn off their loudspeakers, a move that could bring much-needed relief to countless residents tired of the disruptive sounds echoing through their neighbourhoods. The preachers leading such sessions will have to comply or face strict penalties that include being arrested.
Recent complaints from Nairobi residents have underscored the need for immediate action, with constant complaints from residents regarding loud services that often extend late into the night, disrupting their peace and sleep, reaching breaking point.
A tarmacked Nyangusu Road phase 2 in Umoja 1 ward as of October 10, 2024. /JOHNSON SAKAJA
To address the growing tension between congregations and the community, a meeting was called between umbrella bodies of bishops and pastors in Nairobi County led by Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria.
“We have been receiving complaints and after assessment, we have involved the community and the church to tell them that they have to manage the noise that is coming from their houses of worship,” Mosiria stated.
The Chief Officer said the majority of churches and mosques are located in residential areas and have been accused of causing noise pollution. To further clamp down on the vice, Mosiria also noted that there is a plan to allow churches to hold night vigils at Uhuru Park to avoid disturbing the residents in the estates.
The popular park has been offered as an alternative location where congregations can gather and worship without disturbing residential areas. “Those churches that want to do keshas in residential areas will be provided space at Uhuru Park, where they can play loud music,” Mosiria continued.
Bishop Samuel Njiriri who is Chairman of the Federation of Evangelical and Indigenous Christian Churches of Kenya revealed that during the meeting it was agreed that for now the preachers would not be arrested or churches closed and that they would self-regulate.
Whereas he acknowledged that there were some rogue churches accused of making a lot of noise during crusades and night vigils, which disturbs other people including their health, he warned against moving church services from their traditional locations. “I disagree with the proposal to take crusades to Uhuru Park because that is akin to leaving the altars, the only option is to adhere to the requirement to avoid using loud instruments,” he argued.
Despite Mosiria’s promise that the county will lead public participation at the sub-county level involving all the church’s leadership so as to educate residents about county laws touching on noise pollution, Njiriri expressed concern about recent laws passed by the county where preachers are supposed to pay Ksh50,000 for permits to hold crusades in Nairobi.
“We rejected that because churches don’t charge those attending the crusades, we preach for free, there will be public participation on that between us and the county so that we can strike a fair deal,” explained Bishop Njiriri
The CEC beforehand had led a series of crackdowns targeting noisy nightclubs and churches which have been the most notorious for disturbing the zen and peace of Nairobi residents, with the latter courting trouble for holding night vigils without the presence of worshippers.
Nairobi County’s Environment Chief Officer, Geoffrey Mosiria during different crackdowns on churches and nightclubs. /TIKTOK.GEOFFREY MOSIRIA