City Hall halts plans to revoke licenses of 43 night clubs

It was a sigh of relief for 43 owners of nightclubs in Nairobi after the administration of Governor Johnson Sakaja rescinded the decision to revoke their licenses.

The 43 entertainment joints were facing closure over noise pollution.

Nairobi Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri has now directed the club owners to adhere to regulations, failure to which action will be taken against them.

"Our manifesto is to enable businesses to thrive but you must not infringe on residents' rights. We have a duty and an obligation to ensure we create a conducive environment for businesses of all sizes to operate," he said.

He said this during a meeting with the 43 bar owners on Tuesday.

Last week, county director of liquor Hesborn Agwena announced that at least 43 entertainment joints in Nairobi will be closed for noise pollution.

Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Board launched a crackdown aiming to revoke licenses of the entertainment joints in accordance with the Licensing ACT 2014.

Agwena said the move followed numerous complaints from residents about the clubs.

However, the move was condemned by a section of Nairobi MCAs who vowed to protect traders whose entertainment spots were earmarked for closure.

Going further, the DG emphasized said there was a need for people to co-exist peacefully where people can reside as well as conduct their businesses.

He urged liquor outlets to self-regulate and invest on sound proof to minimize noise pollution.

Muchiri insisted that there was a need for collaboration and continuous dialogue between the business community and residents association in ensuring the zoning laws are adhered to avoid conflict.

As a result, he called for quarterly roundtable stakeholders meetings between residents and business owners to review progress made.

"The Sakaja government is pro-business... We are focusing on changing how our enforcement is done and offering support to businesses and not harassing them," Muchiri said.

In addition, the DG noted that the county government was committed to protecting businesses, hence the need to embrace dialogue so as to find a lasting solution.