Trevor Ombija's Idea Of Soundproofing Clubs Catches MCA's Attention

"I am grateful that the County Leadership has dismissed the matter. I am personally totally against the closure of businesses.

"As an Activist who championed the 'Unlock Our County' movement to get our people back in business and get our workers back to work during the Covid-19 Lockdown, these draconian ideas of business closure are saddening. We cannot rush to close businesses just because we have refused to think through solutions," DNG wrote.

Having been an established personality in the entertainment industry, the 'Iyoo' hitmaker faulted those calling for the closure of entertainment joints, noting that they should have engaged and consulted entertainment and music industry experts, including himself.

DNG added that there are many solutions that have not been explored, before listing five suggestions stakeholders can consider to reduce the war between the two sides:

1. Soundproofing: Though an expensive venture for residents living near the clubs with loud music, DNG sees it as a way that can be considered. Ombija had offered a similar suggestion to a neighbour who lived nearby his Samaki Samaki club in Kileleshwa but she refused.

2. Noise Reduction via cut-offs: This can be achieved by tweaking or pulling down the music systems to cut off when the music gets too loud.

3. Installing Glass: This reduces the decibels projected out of the premises. A decibel is a unit used to measure the intensity of a sound or the power level of an electrical signal by comparing it with a given level on a logarithmic scale.

4. Repositioning Of Speakers: The direction in which the speakers face tells where the sound will likely travel, thus clubs can reposition them in a way that they face away from the residential areas.

5. Self-Regulation: The outlet managers, owners and DJs need to be engaged to oversee noise reduction.

"The County Government cannot just wake up and close down licensed businesses without engaging them first. Kenya is not a military state. All attempts to turn it so must be thwarted with expediency," he added.

DNG gave an example of Kibra sub-county whereby the Liquor Committee did not meet to address any of the issues, and neither have they done any engagement since the time he got into elective politics in June 2021. As such, the Liquor Chairman's arbitrary declaration, according to him, brings a lot into question.

"Such decisions must be restrained. As a County Assembly, we will defend the rights of traders no matter the cost.

"I promised to protect people's businesses. I will never support the destruction of people's businesses. These bar owners and the people employed there are legitimately looking for a source of livelihood. They also pay for licenses. This is a Hustler Government, we cannot allow ordinary citizens to be oppressed," he concluded.

Nairobi Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri reinstated the licences of the 43 joints on condition that they comply with the set regulations and that the bars and restaurants should not interfere with the livelihood of other Kenyans.

Muchiri further called upon the business owners to keep engaging with their neighbours and residents' associations to address any concerns and avoid colliding with each other as witnessed in recent months.