The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has issued a sweeping public notice ordering 107 clubs, lounges, bars and restaurants across the country to comply with noise pollution regulations or risk legal action, including closure.
The notice, dated September 8, 2025, comes amid rising public complaints about excessive noise, particularly in residential neighborhoods. It cites violations of the Environment Management and Coordination (Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution) (Control) Regulations, 2009, which set standards for permissible noise levels and empower NEMA to take enforcement action.
“NEMA has been receiving noise pollution complaints from the public regarding clubs, lounges, bars and restaurants across the country. Several facilities have been served with Environmental Restoration Orders requiring them to provide environmental compliance documents, but the majority have failed to comply,” read the notice in part.
The affected establishments which include popular spots such as Red Eagle Bar & Restaurant (Ruiru), Jambo Lounge, Habanos Lounge, Backyard Club (Tassia), Space Mall Club (Umoja), Slide Pub (Kawangware), LA Baita Lounge (Upper Hill) and Club 030 (Kabarnet Town) have been given seven days to submit critical documents to NEMA.
Required documents include:
- Certificate of incorporation and list of directors/owners (CR-12)
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) license for the facility
- Current Environmental Audit (EA)
- Noise pollution control measures in place
- Written reasons why legal action or closure should not be taken
Failure to meet this deadline could result in further enforcement action, including closure of the premises.
Established under the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) CAP 387, NEMA is mandated to oversee environmental matters and safeguard public health. Section 101 of EMCA directs the authority to set and enforce standards for noise abatement. The 2009 regulations empower NEMA to work with lead agencies and county governments to curb excessive noise and vibration pollution.
This latest directive follows a series of environmental restoration orders that had been served to some of the facilities earlier but went unheeded, prompting the tougher stance.
The crackdown comes amid rising concern over noise pollution, especially in Nairobi’s Pipeline area, where residents have complained of loud music from entertainment spots and religious gatherings.
On August 14, 2025, Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria raised alarm during an environmental clean-up exercise, warning that uncontrolled noise was disrupting residential life.
“Freedom of worship and business must be exercised responsibly and not at the expense of residents’ peace, especially children, the elderly and those working from home,” Mosiria said, adding that poor living conditions, including blocked toilets and raw sewage in some areas, further heightened public health risks.
NEMA says it is not seeking to stifle economic activity but to ensure a balance between entertainment and the right of communities to a safe and quiet environment.
“The objective is to work with facility owners to implement noise mitigation measures, not to shut down businesses unnecessarily. Compliance with environmental laws protects both livelihoods and community health,” the Authority stated.
The 107 affected establishments span major cities and towns including Nairobi, Mombasa, Rongai, Kakamega, Naivasha and Diani. The list features both high-end restaurants such as Trojan Restaurant (James Gichuru Road) and casual spots like Pre-game Lounge (Naivasha Road) and Six-pack Governor (Umoja), signaling a nationwide effort to bring all entertainment venues under compliance.
NEMA has encouraged facility owners to treat the notice seriously and submit documentation within the stipulated timeframe to avoid disruption of their businesses.
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