Why NEMA officials have closed Kilimani’s Oyster Bay club
It is not business as usual for the owner, management, and revelers at the popular Oyster Bay Club in Kilimani, Nairobi this Easter season.
This follows the decision by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to shut down the entertainment joint.
NEMA officials who spoke to Nairobi News say they settled on the decision following noise pollution-related complaints from area residents.
The operation was conducted by officers attached to the authority and officials from Nairobi County.
They accused the club owner of failing to install soundproofing despite several warnings and assurances.
Nema Director General Mamo B. Mamo said during the closure that residents of Kilimani had launched complaints about too much noise from the club that interfered with their comfort, repose health, and safety.
“Enforcement actions have been taken including issuing of improvement notices, arrests, confiscation of sound-amplifying equipment and prosecution at the City’s Court,” Mr Mamo said.
The joint operation team also accused the management of the facility of failure to heed earlier orders directing them to stop operation till all remedial actions stated in the notice are complied with, which yielded no results as the club continued to operate unreservedly.
“Your attention is drawn to the provisions of The Constitution of Kenya which enlist Environment as a right and fundamental freedom (Article 42) and provides that ‘every person has the right to a clean and healthy environment’, read part of the notice addressed to the club owner.
The team established that the club resumed operations without having submitted Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) project report and issued the subsequent license.
Oyster Bay was among a number of clubs that were closed in 2022 late by County Governor Johnson Sakaja for noise pollution.
The governor has consistently said all night clubs and restaurants playing loud music in residential areas must install sound proves or cease operating.
His stance was supported by President William Ruto.
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