Habanos Lounge: Nairobi County Closes Popular Kiambu Road Club Indefinitely over Noise Pollution
- Nairobi county government shut down Habanos Lounge following numerous complaints by residents
- Geoffrey Mosiria, the Chief Officer for the Environment, said the establishment has been ordered to install proper soundproof systems before reopening
- He told TUKO.co.ke that, together with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the county is monitoring several other nightclubs
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi -Governor Johnson Sakaja's administration has closed the Habanos Lounge, a popular entertainment joint along Kiambu Road.
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Why is Habanos Lounge closed?
Chief Officer of Environment Geoffrey Mosiria told TUKO.co.ke that the action against the club followed numerous complaints from the residents over noise pollution.
Mosiria disclosed that the nightclub will remain closed until it implements proper soundproofing measures to protect residents from noise pollution.
"Following numerous complaints from residents regarding noise pollution caused by Habanos Lounge on Kiambu Road, the Nairobi City County Government, through the Department of Environment, has taken the decision to close the establishment indefinitely. This action will remain in effect until the lounge implements proper soundproofing measures. The operation was in conjunction with Nema, the county liquor licensing board and NPS," Mosiria said.
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He stated that the county government's objective is not to shut down businesses but rather to ensure that all establishments operate in an environmentally friendly and compliant manner, particularly in regard to noise pollution regulations.
Mosiria revealed that the establishment had been notified by the county experts on the specific measures to implement to be allowed back into operation.
"The management of Habanos Lounge has been properly advised by county environment experts on the specific steps required to soundproof the premises. Once these measures are fully implemented and verified, the business may be allowed to reopen," he stated.
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He further noted that the county government, in conjunction with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), is reviewing the compliance levels of several other entertainment joints.
"We will continue to work closely with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to enforce compliance. A number of other establishments are currently under review, and those that fail to act on the notices we have issued—requesting soundproofing or relocation from residential zones—will face similar action. We remain committed to safeguarding the health and peace of Nairobi residents while supporting a responsible business environment," the chief officer said.
Why was Orchid Lounge raided?
As previously reported, Governor Sakaja’s administration initiated a new operation aimed at nightclubs situated in residential areas.
On Tuesday, April 29, county officials, led by Mosiria, the Chief Officer for Environment, conducted a raid on Orchid Lounge, a well-known nightclub along Ngong Road.
In an interview with TUKO.co.ke, Mosiria explained that the operation was triggered by numerous complaints from residents regarding noise pollution.
He further revealed that the nightclub was operating without the necessary licence to function as such.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
