Govt Reveals 3 Things Clubs, Churches Will Have To Do If Found Causing Noise Pollution
NEMA revealed that it has continued to receive numerous incidences of noise pollution from clubs and religious establishments located within residential areas
Marvin Chege 
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has put nightclubs and religious institutions, including churches, operating within residential areas, on the spot over noise pollution during the festive season.
In a statement on Tuesday, December 24, NEMA revealed that it has continued to receive numerous incidences of noise pollution from clubs and religious establishments located within residential areas, affirming that the Constitution of Kenya under Article 42 gives the right to a safe and healthy environment to all citizens.
The Noise and Excessive Vibration - Pollution Control Regulations of 2009 prohibits the use of sound-amplifying equipment in a loud, annoying or offensive manner that interferes with the comfort, repose, health or safety of members of the public.
NEMA Director General Mamo Boru during a past press briefing. /FILE
"We wish to draw your attention to the Second Schedule (3.1) of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (1999, Revised 2019) which stipulates that any activity out of character with its surroundings will be required to undergo an environmental impact assessment (EIA)," NEMA stated in part.
"Shopping Centres, Commercial centres, business premises, and places of worship such as churches, mosques and temples are subject to environmental impact assessment. The Authority notes with concern that most of the facilities reported by the public for causing noise pollution are not compliant."
NEMA thus asserted that noise pollution will not be tolerated during the Christmas festive season and any other time thereafter.
The authority went on to announce that any facility reported by the public for causing noise pollution will attract enforcement action from NEMA and be compelled to;
- Immediately stop any operations that support or generate noise pollution.
- Undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) with adequate public participation.
- If the facility has an EIA license, it will attract prosecution for violation of the EIA license conditions regarding noise pollution.
"NEMA inspectors will continue to monitor facilities at any time to ensure compliance with the best environmental standards," added the authority.
NEMA went on to request members of the public to report any facilities creating noise pollution using the NEMA hotline numbers 0741 101 100 or 0786 101 100.
On October 22, 2024, Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale revealed that clubs operating in residential areas which were shut down must fully comply with relevant laws before being allowed to resume business.
Duale revealed that he had instructed NEMA not to allow nightclubs in residential areas to continue operating if they don't comply with the soundproofing and environmental laws.
He declared this as he tasked NEMA to go hard on noise pollution from the clubs as well as other forms of pollution brought about by nighttime construction, improper waste disposal and air quality.
The CS maintained that the multi-agency operation would be led by the NEMA Police Unit and that it marked the beginning of a nationwide anti-pollution campaign.
