Atheists In Kenya Society President Harrison Mumia has filed a formal complaint with the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) against a local church in Saika, Nairobi, citing noise pollution.
In an email addressed to NEMA, Mumia detailed his two-year-long struggle with the noise pollution emanating from the church’s powerful loudspeakers during their Friday night Keshas and Sunday worship services.
He emphasized that the ongoing disturbance violates local noise pollution regulations, prompting him to seek assistance from the environmental authority.
“I am writing to formally request your help in dealing with an ongoing issue with a church near where I live. I have lived in Saika, along Kangundo Road for the last three years. However, the past two years have been challenging. PEFA Church, Saika Branch, which is located a few meters from where I live (Saika, Kwa Miti) uses powerful loudspeakers that produce too much noise for my comfort. This happens almost every Friday (Kesha) night and Sunday morning hours during their worship. This causes a lot of disturbance for myself and those I live with. I believe this type of disturbance violates our laws,” Mumia’s email stated.
He requested NEMA’s intervention to facilitate a resolution with the church, aiming to find a solution by October 31, 2023.
In response to Mumia’s complaint, NEMA assured him that they would investigate the situation promptly.
“The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) acknowledges receipt of the incident on Noise pollution from PEFA Church, Saika Branch, that uses powerful loudspeakers that produce too much noise, located at Saika, Kea Miti, Kagundo Road,” NEMA’s email read.
