Governor Sakaja cancels licenses for night clubs in residential areas

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has now cancelled licenses for night clubs operating in residential areas following public uproar over noise pollution.

Governor Sakaja, in a statement seen by Citizen Digital on Friday, said henceforth his administration will not issue or renew licenses for night clubs in residential areas.

He hence added that those that already exist will now function only as bars and restaurants, operating only within specific times.

“Henceforth night club licenses will be issued to premises only within the Central Business District and specified streets in other non-residential areas,” read the statement signed by Nairobi County Secretary Dr. Jairus Musumba.

“Bars and restaurants in residential areas must operate within the specified time and control noise emanating from their premises. Specifically, playing of music must stop by 10pm.”

The statement further added: “All liquor selling premises in the County should provide sufficient parking for clientele. Vehicles causing obstruction along roads and footpaths shall be impounded.”

This comes two months after the county government had dismissed calls that advocated for at least 43 bars in the city’s uptown residences to be shut down over noise pollution.

Nairobi Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri on October 12 said that the county government will not close any bar as long as they are compliant with the law.

Addressing members of the Bar Owners Association and Residents’ Association during a stakeholder consultative forum in Nairobi, DG Muchiri said the current leadership is focused on expanding the business environment and creating more opportunities in that sector.

"We are about creating opportunities and developing a conducive environment for the business community to thrive, not closing down people's business in Nairobi, but people must also comply to the laws governing the running of the business," Muchiri said then.