Nairobi, Kenya, Mar 23 – The Nairobi City County has listed parts of the Central Business District(CBD), Upperhill, Westlands among eight areas zoned as commercial areas for the the operation of night clubs.
The move comes as Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration seeks to regulate the setting up of entertainment joints in residential areas.
The County’s Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing board also listed Ngara Shopping Centre, Pangani, Industrial Area and the Karen Triangle as some of the proposed areas for setting up the entertainment joints.
Governor Sakaja further identified shopping malls within the city as other areas where bars can be set up.
However, proprietors will have to install sound proof materials and get approvals by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to be able to operate in malls.
This comes after Governor Johnson Sakaja’s directive during the Launch of Nairobi City County 2nd Wave 100 days Rapid Results Initiative (RRI).
The County boss said that Nairobi residents continue to complain about noise pollution in residential areas hence the need for urgent intervention.
“We cannot continue to have noise pollution in residential areas, bars and clubs will have designated zones in the city within which they will operate in. I have also directed the enforcement teams to execute their full mandate and ensure noise pollution in residential areas becomes a thing of the past,” Sakaja said.
On his part, Said Patrick Analo, Chief Officer, Urban Planning said that the proposed zones and others not listed are subject to review or regular basis depending on development trends such as commercial trends and feedback from stakeholders engagements.
Rhoda Otieno, Director, Liquor Board, said that the move is aimed at encouraging business operators, operating night clubs, to consider moving to the CBD.
She reiterated that premises operating in residential areas will only be granted bar and restaurant licenses and will operate until 11pm.
“Quite a number of premises have complied with the directive issued in November, 2022 and have made efforts to sound proof and operate within the NCCG guidelines. This proposal is set to be presented to members of the public for input through public participation forums,” Otieno said.
