Nairobi's Ngong Road-based Orchid Lounge risks closure within the next 72 hours, the county government of Nairobi has warned.
Nairobi Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria announced that the closure risk came following concerns that were raised on Tuesday night over noise pollution.
According to Mosiria, despite the lounge being previously served with written notices and warnings about the noise pollution and other regulatory concerns, the entertainment spot has failed to comply.
''Last night at midnight, we responded to a noise pollution complaint involving Orchid Lounge, which has been operating as a nightclub without the required nightclub licence,'' Mosiria shared.
''Despite previously being served with written notices and verbal warnings, the establishment has failed to comply with directives, including the requirement to install soundproofing to minimise disturbance to nearby residents.''
Consequently, the county environment department has written to the management of the entertainment hub, giving it 72 hours to provide a satisfactory response as to why it should not be closed.
''As a result, we issued a Notice of Intended Closure, giving them 72 hours to provide a satisfactory explanation for their continued non-compliance. Failure to do so will lead to further enforcement action, including the issuance of a closure order,'' Mosiria confirmed.
Mosiria warned all other establishments operating with impunity within residential areas that the government will take action against them.
Further, the environmentalist revealed that the county government of Nairobi had already zoned specific areas where nightclubs are violating the bylaws.
''This action does not only applies to Orchid Lounge but to all other establishments operating with impunity in residential areas and causing sleepless nights for city residents. We have already zoned specific areas, hotspot areas that we shall be visiting to take action," he added.
On April 16, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) ordered the closure of Habanos Lounge following complaints about the club's conduct.
In a statement released on Wednesday, April 16, NEMA confirmed that a closure order had been issued to the renowned club after it failed to comply with directives aimed at controlling noise emanating from the establishment.
The Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution) (Control) Regulations, 2009, delineate maximum permissible noise levels across various zones.
For instance, in silent zones such as health facilities and educational institutions, noise should not exceed 40 decibels during the day and 35 decibels at night. Residential areas have limits set at 50 decibels during the daytime and 35 decibels at night, while commercial zones permit up to 60 decibels during the day and 35 at night.
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