Reprieve for Nairobi clubs facing closure over noise pollution can breathe a sigh of relief after the county government said it will not close any bar as long as they are compliant with the law.
Speaking to members of the Bar Owners Association and Residents’ Association during a stakeholder consultative forum in Nairobi, Nairobi Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri dismissed recent calls which advocated for at least 43 bars in the city’s uptown residences to be shut down over noise pollution.
Muchiri said the current leadership is focused on expanding the business environment and creating more opportunities in that sector.
“The Sakaja government is pro-business and we want to grow business, we are focusing on changing how our enforcement is done, and change to be customer based and offering support to business and not harassing them,” Muchiri said.
He said there is need for collaboration and continuous dialogue between the business community and their respective residents’ associations in ensuring that the zoning laws are adhered to within the areas to avoid conflict.
The Bar Owners Association advocated for a peaceful co-existence between residents and business owners, promising that the association would abide by the county directives.
At least 43 clubs in Nairobi were to face closure over noise pollution after they were flagged in the ongoing crackdown targeting bars notorious for playing loud music.
In a memo addressed to all sub-county administrators, the Nairobi Liquor Licensing Board said the process of revoking and shutting down the clubs is ongoing.
The board noted that the owners of the affected joints have failed to comply with the set guidelines despite arrests.
“The County Liquor Board has received complaints from various Resident Associations and the General Public on excessive noise and vibration on licensed liquor premises.
“The complaints have also been received by the County Environment Compliance and Enforcement officers and despite arrests and arraignment in court, the proprietors have refused to comply and continue to contravene the stipulated licensing conditions,” Hesbon Angwena, the Director Liquor Licensing, said.