Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has kicked off the process to regulate nightclubs after he called city residents to share their views about the same.
In a notice published in the local dailies, Sakaja has invited the public to give their input on how the county should regulate the clubs.
“The Nairobi City County is in the process of establishing a framework on licensing and operation of night clubs within the city and the proposed construction of rehabilitation centres for alcohol and drug abuse victims. This is in line with the governor manifesto of making Nairobi a city of order, hope, dignity and opportunity,” reads the notice.
According to Sakaja, the public participation forums will give the governor a chance to disseminate information on proposed night clubs operation zones.
Those targeted are residents and neighbourhood associations, landlord associations and faith-based organizations.
The forums will also target families and family members affected by drug abuse, liquor manufacturers and the association of rehabilitation centres.
The forums will take from next week in all 17 sub-counties.
City Hall has identified eight zones within Nairobi that will be fit for nightclubs and pubs operation.
The Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Board have identified areas within the city zoned as commercial areas by the Physical & Land Use Planning Act of 2019 for the purpose of Licensing and operation of Night clubs.
“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,” he said.
The zones include:
Central Business District: Tom Mboya Street, Moi Avenue, Kenyatta Venue, University Way, Koinange Street, Nairobi River, Haile Selassie, Uhuru Highway, River Road, Harry Thuku Road
Industrial Area: Landhies Road, Factory Street, Workshop Road, Bunyala Road, Uhuru Highway, Commercial Street, Enterprise Road, Lungalunga Road, Makadara Railway, Viwandani, Enterprise Road, Aoko Road Nairobi River, Outering Road, Dandora Industrial Zone, Kariobangi Industrial Zone, Mathare North Industrial Zone
Shopping Malls: Under the condition that the proprietors install soundproof materials and get approvals by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
Westlands Area: Chiromo Road, Crossway, Muthithi Road, Mpesi Lane, Mogotio Road, Parklands Road, Ring Road, Ojijo Road.
Ngara: Shopping Centre Muranga Rooad, Ring Road, Nairobi River, 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.
Karen Triangle: Along Ngong Road, Karen Road, Langata Road.
Sakaja also directed the enforcement teams to execute their full mandate and ensure noise pollution in residential areas becomes a thing of the past.
In November 2022, City Hall cancelled licenses for nightclubs that were operating in residential areas and said it will not be issuing permits to such premises anymore.
Governor Sakaja said going forward, nightclub licences will only be issued to premises operating within CBD and specified streets within select residential areas.
