Sounds of gunshot and light explosives have become a ‘daily ritual’ to residents of One Four estate in Kimbo, Ruiru, in Kiambu County.
Although residents have become accustomed to these ‘disturbing’ sounds – those visiting the estate for the first time are often forced often run for cover whenever they hear gunshots.
According to the residents, it is not uncommon to see people running for cover behind buildings whenever gunshot sounds rent the air.
The estate borders the General Service Unit (GSU) shooting range camp – along the Thika Superhighway. The camp also serves as the Recce company headquarters.
Inside the expansive camp, the disciplined officers often conduct drills and exercises, which sometimes involve use of firearms.
“Gunshot sounds are like a daily dose to us here. It’s common in the evenings. Sometimes we hear explosives. The shooting range is near the road,” Patrick Chege, a resident said.
Charity Akoth, a student at a nearby college revealed how she was scared the first time she settled there.
“I was terrified when I heard the shots for the first time. I thought I had settled in a crime-infested area, I would later learn that the sounds came from the camp across the road,” Akoth narrated.
Adding that: “Surprisingly, even small children are not scared of the sounds. They imitate them.”
Duncan Mwenda who operates bodaboda in the area told Wananchi Reporting that the area is very peaceful.
“It is relatively safe here. This is due to the fact that the estate borders a security facility. The estate benefits from extended protection from the camp,” said Mwenda.
Some of the most common sources of noise pollution in Kenya include road traffic, churches in residential areas, industrial construction noise and noise coming from entertainment joints.
A 2015 done at the University of Nairobi concluded that the average noise levels in Nairobi CBD range from 61dB(A) to 78dB(A).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these noise levels are higher than the recommended average of 40dB(A).
Although residents of Kimbo have not raised concern about the noise, noise pollution remain a significant problem in many urban areas in Kenya and around the world.
Noise pollution can cause sleep disturbances, hearing damage, and other health issues.
Residents have been advised to buy foam earplugs or earmuffs to protect their hearing should they find themselves in an environment that is prone to noise pollution.
