Nairobi MCAs Ban Reggae Concerts And Street Parties In Estates

The Nairobi County Assembly has passed a motion that would bring to an end street parties and reggae concerts in the capital city's residential areas.

The city's Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) on Wednesday, March 13 overwhelmingly supported a motion directing the county executive to enforce the ban.

Majority Leader Peter Imwatok moved the motion which aims to curb immorality and protect residents from unnecessary noise disturbances.

Furthermore, he argued that street parties and reggae shows in residential locations are fertile ground for criminal activities and need to be stopped immediately.

Makongeni Ward MCA Peter Imwatok. /EMURIA FM

He attributed the mugging cases, peddling of harmful substances, and nuisance-causing loud music to the events.

"Reggae concerts can be held in places like the Charter Hall and other lounges like Quiver or 1824, among many others. They should not be hosted in places where school children and people with no interest are exposed to the activities and nuisance caused by loud music in residential places," the legislator argued.

Imwatok insisted that with the passing of the bill, residential areas would now be free from all immorality associated with street parties.

“I’m very happy with my fellow MCAs for feeling the sense of illegality versus people’s rights. I am a reggae fan but doing the same in residential areas is unlawful, we have clubs,” Imwatok added.

Gatina ward MCA Kennedy Swaka supported the motion, arguing that reggae concerts have led to poor performance academically amongst high school students who sneak in to attend the events instead of focusing on their studies.

"I am a teacher by profession, and I know the impacts of such events being hosted near learning institutions. The school-going children are gullible and are lured to attend them, where they get exposed to banned substances like bhang and criminal activities," Swaka stated. 

However, reports indicated that Governor Johnson Sakaja could frown at the motion's resolutions given that he pledged to support young artists and entertainers across all the estates in Nairobi to earn a living through such platforms.

The move nonetheless received a commendation from parents who described it as a milestone and their children will now have time to concentrate on their studies.

“The main concern was that we have children in our residential areas when you expose them then you will have moral decay, immorality and poor School performance. So it is indeed a Solomonic move to have that kind of motion passed," a resident in Kibra stated.

The motion came amidst a threat by nominated Senator, Karen Nyamu on Monday, November 28 to mobilise efforts to ban the popular ‘Aluta Sundays’ held in various clubs across Nairobi.

She on November 28, 2023, lamented that the 'Aluta Sundays' were causing havoc among Kenyan youth who were spending most of their funds on the program instead of on constructive activities.

"Kuna kitu inaharibu vijana hapa Nairobi inaitwa ALUTA. Hio form me ndio nitaichoma (There is something spoiling the youth called Aluta. I'll be the one to disrupt that plan). Club owners this is your notice," she stated.

'Aluta' is a Sheng terminology which means to feel good, often associated with the use of weed.

The phenomenon of ‘Aluta Sundays’ began amongst popular club owners and DJs seeking to maintain the attendance of revellers throughout the weekend. In particular, after one popular club along Thika Road introduced it, several other clubs in Nairobi followed suit, making Aluta Sundays a popular strategy.

Tailored for enthusiasts of reggae music who are either reluctant to call it a night or simply seeking Sunday morning entertainment, ‘Aluta Sundays’ have become synonymous with the vibrant sounds of reggae artists.

The concept gained immense popularity among club owners, leading to the establishment of designated zones dedicated to ‘Aluta Sundays’.

DJs Spapa and Brown Girl Nessa during a past event at Loft Lounge. /STANDARD DIGITAL