The Nairobi County government has released a list of commercial areas designated for the operation of nightclubs, with the directive coming into effect on March 15, 2024.
In a notice issued by Stephen Mwangi, Nairobi's County Executive Committee for Built Environment and Urban Planning, the licensing of nightclubs will be confined to zones identified as commercial areas with limited residential developments.
These designated areas will be situated along major roads and characterised by compatible land uses such as offices and commercial establishments.
Below is the list of specified areas in Nairobi identified for the operationalisation of nightclubs, along with the conditions that must be met before the issuance of a license:
Central Business District
Location/ Street: Tom Mboya Street, Moi Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue, University Way, Koinange Street, Nairobi River, Haile Selassie, Uhuru Highway, River Road and Harry Thuku Road.
Conditions: The owner ought to capture the boundaries within the CBD, inclusive of lanes, and subject to the laid down conditions for the license to be issued.
The nightclub owner must provide a map delineating the precise locations where the establishments are permitted to operate legally.
Licensing will be granted following a thorough inspection and approval by the relevant department.
Nightclubs are prohibited from being situated within the confines of the Government Square or within a government precinct.
Industrial Area
Location/Street: Landhies Road, Factory Street, Workshop Road, Bunyala Road, Uhuru Highway, Commercial Street, Enterprise Road, Lunga Lunga Road, Makadara Railway, Viwandani, Enterprise Road, Aoko Road, Nairobi River, Outering Road, Dandora Industrial Zone, Kariobangi Industrial Zone, Mathare North Industrial Zone.
Condition: The nightclub owners should adhere to the guiding principles specified in the zoning policy.
Shopping Malls
Location/Street: It is not restricted to any specific mall. The only condition provided is that the proprietors shall obtain appropriate approvals from the relevant government institutions.
Westlands Area
Location/ Street: Chiromo Road, Crossway, Muthithi Road, Mpesi Lane, Mogotio Road, Parklands Road, Ring Road and Ojijo Road.
Condition: The owners are required to adhere to the guiding principles specified in the zoning policy.
Ngara Shopping Centre
Location/Street: Muranga Road, Ring Road, Nairobi River and Limuru Road.
Condition: The owners are required to adhere to the guiding principles specified in the zoning policy.
Upperhill
Location/Street: Upper Hill Link Road, Hospital Road, Elgon Road, Matumbato Road, Kiambere Road and Railway Line.
Condition: The owners are required to adhere to the guiding principles specified in the zoning policy.
Pangani Area
Location/Street: Thika Road, Muratina Street, Kipande Athumani Street, Mweni Road, Hombe Road and Ring Road Ngara.
Condition: The owners are required to adhere to the guiding principles specified in the zoning policy.
Karen Triangle
Location/Street: Along Ngong Road, Karen Road, Langata Road.
Conditions: The county government warned that the clubs should be set within the shopping centre and the nightclubs should not be located along Karen Road because of their proximity to the Deputy President’s official residence.
The owners are required to adhere to the guiding principles specified in the zoning policy.
Major Roads
Location/Street: Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Eastern Bypass, Kangundo Road and Kiambu Road.
Condition: The approvals will be based on strict adherence to the guiding principles.
