Nairobi County Launches Crackdown on Nightclubs in Residential Areas: "Zoned Hotspot Areas"
- On Tuesday, April 29, Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria raided Orchid Lounge along Ngong Road
- Mosiria stated that the entertainment joint was operating as a nightclub without having the relevant licences
- The chief officer told TUKO.co.ke that the operation against noise pollution will target all nightclubs illegally operating in residential areas
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 launched another operation targeting nightclubs operating in residential areas.
Source: Facebook
Why was Orchid Lounge raided?
On Tuesday, April 29, the county officials led by Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria, raided Orchid Lounge, a popular nightclub along Ngong Road.
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Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Mosiria disclosed that the operation was a result of complaints from residents over noise pollution.
The chief officer stated that the club was operating as a nightclub without having the requisite licence.
"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. 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," Mosiria said.
In a notice shared with TUKO.co.ke, the popular club has been given 72 hours to explain why it has continued to operate against the law.
Mosiria disclosed that further punitive actions might be taken against the club if it fails to adhere to the notice.
"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," he stated.
He noted that the operation will be extended to all establishments operating with impunity in residential areas.
According to Mosiria, the county enforcement officers have already mapped out zones where nightclubs operate with impunity, causing disturbance to the city residents.
"This action does not only apply 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 as hotspots areas that we shall be visiting to take action," he added.
Source: Facebook
Why judges closed 3 clubs in Roysambu
Still in Nairobi, residents of Roysambu emerged victorious in a case against three entertainment venues and a church over noise pollution.
Environmental and Land Court (ELC) Judge Oscar Angote ordered the closure of Cocorico Wines, Paris Lounge and Grill, Tessara Entertainment, and Trinity House International Ministry, located in Mirema Estate, and imposed a KSh 5 million fine for violating noise pollution regulations.
The Amani Residents Welfare Association/Mirema filed the case, accusing the venues of breaching their constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment, as outlined in Article 42 of the Constitution.
In its ruling, the court determined that the excessive noise from the establishments infringed on the residents' rights, awarding them KSh 5 million in compensation for the disturbance caused by the bars and church operating in the area.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
