The Nairobi County Government has urged residents to avoid clubs situated near residential areas, as these establishments are operating unlawfully.
In a statement on Wednesday, August 20, Geoffrey Mosiria, the Chief Officer for the Environment, said that city residents should boycott clubs operating unlawfully in these areas, particularly those that have obtained court orders preventing the county government from closing them.
Mosiria has, however, affirmed that the county government will continue reinforcing its crackdown on clubs operating unlawfully, stressing that this will be vital in ensuring that law and order are restored in the city.
"Some of these establishments have even obtained court orders to prevent us from closing them down, making our work difficult," Mosiria said.
"I call upon city residents to boycott those operating unlawfully in residential areas. We will not sit idly by while residents endure this. We must do what is right and restore order in the city," he added.
Mosiria made the announcement after taking action against several individuals at a club on Kangundo Road for causing a disturbance to neighbours by playing loud music. Despite the county government issuing notices to the club's management, no action was taken, according to Mosiria.
"Just imagine a club located directly opposite a residential area on Kangundo Road that is not soundproofed. People in our city are suffering from noise pollution. They have been served with notices, but there has been no compliance," Mosiria said.
The announcement comes two weeks after Mosiria launched a crackdown on clubs, churches, and events over noise pollution.
In a statement early last month, Mosiria claimed that his department, together with law enforcement officers, would target clubs, particularly those in residential areas where numerous noise complaints had been lodged.
Furthermore, Mosira noted that event organisers should refrain from organising events near residential areas, and if they do so, they should ensure that they adhere to the set sound limits.
Mosiria further said that the crackdown will also target churches that cause noise pollution during 'keshas'. Churches were encouraged to install soundproofing materials or seek a permit from neighbours if they needed to play loud music during these events.
Clubs, churches, and events should ensure that their sound does not exceed 35 decibels, according to Mosiria.
"If we get any complaint, we shall have to respond because we want to restore order in the city. All we want to tell event organisers, make sure that you don't make noise that may affect others," Mosiria said.
"We will also be handling noise pollution in churches, especially during Keshas. Please make sure that you do not play loud music, and if you have to play loud music, then soundproof your church," he added.
