Sakaja designates specific zones for nightclubs to tackle noise pollution

Nairobi City County has outlined specific areas within the city approved for the establishment of nightclubs and pubs. This comes amid Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja's commitment to reducing noise pollution in Nairobi estates.

In a notice, Sakaja said the licensing of nightclubs will be confined to zones identified as commercial areas with limited residential developments. He also indicated that the businesses will be guided by specific published regulations and principles.

The listed locations include areas within the Central Business District (CBD), Industrial Area, shopping malls, Westlands area, Upperhill, Ngara, Karen and major roads.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 55 1 (A-H) of the Nairobi City County Physical and Land Use Planning Act, 2019, and all other enabling provisions of the laws, the County Executive Committee Member in charge of Physical Planning in concurrence with the Governor, Nairobi City County, gazettes the enlisted as commercial areas for operationalization of nightclubs, with effect from March 15, 2024,” the notice read in part.

In CBD, areas approved for clubs include Tom Mboya Street, Moi Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue, University Way, Koinange Street, Nairobi River, Haile Selassie, Uhuru Highway, River Road and Harry Thuku Road.

However, operations are allowed under the condition that the establishment captures the boundaries within the CBD, inclusive of lanes, and subject to the laid down conditions for the license to be issued.

Also, it shall be accompanied by a map of the area to clearly visualize the exact locations where the outlets can legally operate.

“Licensing shall be done upon conclusive inspection and approval by the relevant department. Nightclubs shall not be located within the boundaries of the Government Square or Government precinct,” read the notice.

In the Industrial Area, Sakaja approved the establishment of nightclubs along 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.

For shopping malls, proprietors must install soundproof materials and get approvals from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

In Westlands, nightclubs will be established along Chiromo Rd, Crossway, Muthithi Road, Mpesi Lane, Mogotio Road, Parklands Road, Ring Road, and Ojijo Road.

Approved locations in Ngara are along Muranga Road, Ring Road, Nairobi River and Limuru Road.

Uperhill: Upperhill Link Road, Hospital Road, Elgon Road, Matumbato Road, Kiambere Road, Railway Line.

Pangani Area: Thika Road, Muratina Street, Kipande Athumani Street, Mweni Road, Hombe Road and Ring Road Ngara.

In Karen, clubs will operate along Ngong Road, Karen Road and Langata Road. However, the clubs should only be set within the shopping center.

Additionally, Sakaja said the nightclubs should be located in areas with adequate space to accommodate the target population.

“They are expected to employ adequate and stringent measures to manage traffic flow during peak hours thus preventing congestion and noise pollution,” he noted.