Holy noise? Residents of Nairobi endure torturous Sundays

By Francis Njuguna

The rise in number of modern churches embedded within crowded estates in Nairobi is increasingly becoming a silent concern to residents and landlords.

Residents now claim that the churches are a major source of noise in the already crowded estates.

The residents feel that the churches which should help in the creation of a most sustainable society – are instead a major source of environmental discomfort. 

And now, they are asking the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), a body that facilitates the united mission of the Christian Church in Kenya by promoting fellowship and ecumenism, to help mitigate this problem.

Some landlords with residential property located near churches are said to be losing tenants due to noise coming from the holy dwellings.

Jerome Okello, a caretaker in Embakasi, told Wananchi Reporting that the proximity of places of worship to most rental houses is increasingly becoming a factor of consideration for those looking to rent.

“There are people who will avoid renting your property just because it is located next to a church.

“Some will give you a notice and move out of the house after just one month of renting because of the loud noise coming from some churches on Saturdays and Sundays,” said Jerome.

Nancy Kamau, who runs a small church together with her husband in the crowded Kayole estate, feels the word of God should be categorised as ‘noise’.

“It is unfortunate that people who are a precious creation of God can term His word as noise. God created us to worship him,” she says.

Many residents who spoke to Wananchi Reporting say they are reluctant to fight the church for fear of attracting a curse from God as this is a highly Christian society.

“There have been instances of tenants waking up one morning and deciding to leave the house or the neighbourhood. Many would rather not fight the church. They fear expressing their anger towards people of the church. They just leave quietly,” said Jerome.

Some residents now want the county government of Nairobi to regulate the churches with the same bile as they do pubs and clubs when tackling notorious noise polluters in estates.

Michael Musyoka who resides in Dandora together told Wananchi Reporting that he no longer looks forward to weekends at home.

“There is noise coming from every corner of the estate. It’s even worse if you have young children, or work night shift and have to rest during the day,” says Musyoka who believes that worship can still be orderly and quiet.