Three Nairobi nightclubs face closure over noise complaints

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has warned three nightclubs in  Nairobi, to enforce noise control measures or risk closure.

In a statement issued on Saturday evening, NEMA said the establishments were causing disturbances in Lavington and Kilimani, which are predominantly residential areas.

"NEMA environmental inspectors accompanied by NEMA police unit officers today undertook an inspection in Lavington and Kilimani areas and issued orders to three clubs to immediately put in place robust noise pollution control measures, failure to which the facilities face closure," the directive read in part.

The warning follows continued efforts by the Nairobi County Government to regulate nightclub operations in residential areas.

In March 2024, the county outlined specific areas where nightclubs and pubs could legally operate as part of Governor Johnson Sakaja’s commitment to reducing noise pollution in Nairobi estates.

A notice issued at the time stated that nightclub licensing would be restricted to zones identified as commercial areas with limited residential developments.

Businesses would also be required to adhere to published regulations and principles.

The approved locations included the Central Business District (CBD), Industrial Area, shopping malls, Westlands, Upperhill, Ngara, Karen, and major roads.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 55 1 (A-H) of the Nairobi City County Physical and Land Use Planning Act, 2019, and all other enabling provisions of the laws, the County Executive Committee Member in charge of Physical Planning, in concurrence with the Governor, Nairobi City County, gazettes the enlisted as commercial areas for operationalization of nightclubs, with effect from March 15, 2024,” the notice read in part.

Within the CBD, designated areas for nightclub operations included Tom Mboya Street, Moi Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue, University Way, Koinange Street, Nairobi River, Haile Selassie, Uhuru Highway, River Road, and Harry Thuku Road.

However, businesses in these locations had to clearly map out their boundaries and comply with licensing conditions.

The county also warned that nightclubs would not be permitted within Government Square or any government precinct.

In the Industrial Area, clubs were approved for operation along Landhies Road, Factory Street, Workshop Road, Bunyala Road, Uhuru Highway, Commercial Street, Enterprise Road, Lunga Lunga Road, Makadara Railway, Viwandani, Outering Road, Dandora Industrial Zone, Kariobangi Industrial Zone, and Mathare North Industrial Zone.

For shopping malls, nightclub proprietors were required to install soundproof materials and obtain approval from NEMA.

Other approved locations included Westlands, with operations allowed along Chiromo Road, Crossway, Muthithi Road, Mpesi Lane, Mogotio Road, Parklands Road, Ring Road, and Ojijo Road.

In Ngara, the approved areas were along Muranga Road, Ring Road, Nairobi River, and Limuru Road.

In Upperhill, clubs were permitted on Upperhill Link Road, Hospital Road, Elgon Road, Matumbato Road, and Kiambere Road.

In Pangani, the designated locations included Thika Road, Muratina Street, Kipande Athumani Street, Mweni Road, Hombe Road, and Ring Road Ngara.

In Karen, clubs were only allowed along Ngong Road, Karen Road, and Langata Road, and they had to be located within shopping centers.