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Nairobi Crackdown: NEMA Shuts Down Eight Entertainment Venues Over Noise Pollution Violations
NEMA has shut down eight major entertainment venues in Nairobi, Kiambu and the Coast region over repeated noise pollution violations. The affected clubs and lounges were found to have ignored previous warnings and Environmental Restoration Orders. The regulator has set strict conditions for reopening, including soundproofing, fresh environmental licences and compliance noise surveys, marking one of its toughest enforcement actions this year.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has ordered the immediate closure of eight popular entertainment venues across Kenya over persistent violations of noise pollution regulations.
The decisive action affecting top nightclubs and lounges in Nairobi, Kiambu County and the Coast region was implemented without delay, marking one of NEMA’s toughest enforcement measures this year.
Authorities said the affected establishments had repeatedly ignored compliance warnings and failed to act on Environmental Restoration Orders (EROs) issued earlier.
Venues Ordered to Close
NEMA listed the following businesses in its nationwide crackdown:
- Kettle House, Muthangari Drive, Nairobi
- Boba Drinks and Café, Kilimani, Nairobi
- Bar Next Door, Othaya Road, Kilimani, Nairobi
- Emirates Lounge, Pipeline, Nairobi
- Kifaru Place, Mombasa Road, Nairobi
- Infusion Lounge, Ruaka, Kiambu
- Status Lounge, Ruaka, Kiambu
- Speedy’s Bar and Restaurant, Watamu Beach Road, Kilifi
In a public notice shared on its social media pages, the Authority stated:
“The Authority has continued to receive noise complaints from these facilities even after being warned through previous orders.”
Months of Warnings Lead to Enforcement
The shutdowns come after months of sustained pressure on entertainment venue operators. In September 2025, NEMA issued a nationwide directive placing 107 establishments on notice for noise pollution breaches.
Those businesses were instructed to submit detailed compliance reports explaining the noise-control measures in place and why enforcement should not proceed. The directive followed a sharp rise in public concern, with NEMA reporting a 38% increase in noise-related complaints over the past two years.
The current enforcement actions are guided by the Environmental Management and Coordination (Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution) (Control) Regulations, 2009.
Strict Conditions for Reopening
NEMA has outlined a clear set of conditions that must be met before any of the closed venues can resume operations:
- Full closure of the premises
- Completion of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- Acquisition of a valid environmental licence
- Installation of effective soundproofing systems
- Submission of a noise survey proving compliance with legal noise limits
Only after meeting all these requirements will the affected establishments be cleared to reopen.
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