Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Board has announced designated commercial areas within the city for licensing and operation of nightclubs.
The move comes after Governor Sakaja directed the county to address the issue of noise pollution in residential areas caused by nightclubs.
“We cannot continue to have noise pollution in residential areas. I have directed the enforcement teams to execute their full mandate and ensure noise pollution in residential areas becomes a thing of the past,” said Governor Sakaja.
The proposed areas include Tom Mboya Street, Moi Avenue, Kenyatta Venue, University Way, Koinange Street, Nairobi River, Haile Selassie, Uhuru Highway, River Road, and Harry Thuku Road in the Central Business District.
Others are 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 in Industrial Area.
Nightclubs may also be permitted in shopping malls and along Chiromo Rd, Crossway, Muthithi Road, Mpesi Lane, Mogotio Road, Parklands Road, Ring Road, Ojijo Road in Westlands Area. Areas around Ngara Shopping Centre, Upperhill, Pangani Area, and Karen Triangle have also been zoned as commercial areas by the Physical and Land Use Planning Act of 2019 and other government laws.
The Chief Officer of Urban Planning, Patrick Analo, highlighted that the designated zones and others not listed will be subject to regular review depending on commercial and development trends and feedback from stakeholders’ engagements.
Rhoda Otieno, Director of the Liquor Board, explained that premises operating in residential areas will only be granted bar and restaurant licenses and will operate until 11 pm.
According to her, many premises have complied with the directive by soundproofing and operating within NCCG guidelines.
The designated zones will require business operators to install soundproof materials and obtain approvals from National Environmental Management Agency (NEMA).
The proposal will be presented to members of the public for input through public participation forums.
