Govt Eyes Another Closure Of Bars In Nairobi Estates
The move to prompt another closure of entertainment joints was in response to several complaints from the city sub-counties regarding noisy nightclubs still operating in residential areas.
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The government is gearing up for another closure of all nightclubs and bars operating within 300 metres of residential areas and learning institutions in Nairobi.
According to a letter from Nairobi Regional Commissioner Katee Mwanza seen by Viral Tea, the move to prompt another closure of entertainment joints was in response to several complaints from the city sub-counties regarding noisy nightclubs still operating in residential areas.
This is despite a previous order by the Nairobi County government under Johnson Sakaja, supported by the national government, which barred clubs from operating in residential areas that disrupt the convenience of Nairobi residents in their homes, particularly at night.
"As you are fully aware, the government clearly stated that no clubs should operate in residential areas or near (300 metres) learning institutions. Consequently, both National and County Governments directed their relevant staff to form multi-agency teams to ensure that no clubs operate in residential areas.
Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja, during a meeting on the interim report of the Review, Scrutiny and Verification of Legal Pending Bills on April 28, 2023. /JOHNSON SAKAJA
"While this has been implemented in some areas, there is clearly inadequate action taken in some areas. The purpose of this letter is, therefore, to ask you to take the following measures," read Mwanza's letter to Nairobi County deputy commissioners dated Thursday, August 17.
Mwanza directed the deputy commissioners to identify and prepare a list of clubs/bars in residential areas within their respective Sub-Counties and submit the same to her office by the close of business on Friday, August 18.
Furthermore, in conjunction with their multi-agency teams, the deputy county commissioners were also instructed to ensure that they enforce the government directive immediately and submit returns to the regional commissioner's office.
They were also asked to submit a confidential list of officers involved in the protection of illegal activities in support of the nightclub (s) operators.
"Ensure continuous surveillance to ensure that the clubs do not re- engage in their illegal operations.
"All officers abetting this illegality will be held personally responsible for the failure to stop the illegal activities," Mwanza cautioned.
The letter signed by Mwanza was copied to the Principal Secretary for State Department for Interior and National Administration.
Nairobi Bar Owners Association secretary-general Boniface Gachoka confirmed that they are aware of the circular and that they are planning to issue a statement over the directive, which he said will harm their businesses if implemented.
“We will issue our stand on the letter from Regional Commissioner,” Gachoka told the Nation.
On Thursday, March 23, the Nairobi county government identified parts of the Central Business District (CBD), Upperhill, and Westlands among areas zoned as commercial areas for the operation of nightclubs. The move came amidst plans by Governor Sakaja's administration to regulate the setting up of entertainment joints in residential areas.
The County’s Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Board had named areas within the city’s commercial sites for licensing and allowing the operation of nightclubs.
Within the Central Business District (CBD) the zone of partying is at Tom Mboya Street, Moi Avenue, Koinange Street, University Way, River Road, Uhuru Highway, and Harry Thuku Road.
In Karen, the proposed areas listed included a section of Ngong Road, Lang’ata Road and Karen Road. In the Upper Hill area, the locations include Hospital Road, Elgon, Upper Hill Link, Mutambato, Kiambere and Railway line.
The residents of the Industrial area were poised to be entertained at the proposed areas such as Landhies Road, Bunyala Road, Enterprise Road, Outering, Dandora, Kariobangi Industrial Zone, Mathare North Industrial Zone, Makadara Railways, Viwandani among other zones in the larger Eastlands.
In Westlands areas, zoned spots included Chiromo Road, Crossway, Mutithi, Ojijo, Mogotio and Parklands roads. Other areas included Muratina Street, Kipande Athumani, Nairobi River, Limuru Road, Mweni and Ring Road in Ngara.
Sakaja in November 2022 cancelled licenses issued to nightclubs operating in residential areas as well as stopped renewals of the same, but the directive was opposed by Members of the Nairobi County Assembly who directed Sakaja to lift the order issued on November 25, 2022.
The first-time governor added that bars and restaurants in residential areas must operate within the specified time and control noise emanating from the premises. Specifically, the playing of music must stop by 10 pm.
The operation received recognition from President William Ruto who was in support of the move as a way of ensuring that Nairobi upholds the standards of a capital city.
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