Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja yesterday said he will not backtrack on his directive to ban nightclubs in the city’s residential areas.

Sakaja, who was speaking after attending a church service in Jesus Teaching Ministry, Donholm, said he will firmly stand by his decision no matter the opposition.

“I have noted that there are some people who appear to be going against my directive to close bars. I am sending a clear warning that there will be sanity in our neighbourhoods. There’s no turning back from that,” he said.

Sakaja advised bar owners to sound proof their premises if they want to continue with businesses.

“We are not fighting any business but our children should have a conducive environment where they can study and sleep. If they want to continue with business, they should ensure they operate in sound-proof buildings,” he said.

Bar patrons

Sakaja said his administration will intensify its raids on nightclubs operating in residential areas.

At the weekend, at least 50 bar patrons were arrested and they are scheduled to appear in court today.

The raid happened in Donholm, Pipeline, Fedha and North Pipeline estates and targeted bars operating without licenses.

The actions by county government came despite sustained opposition from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who said City Hall was hurting businesses owned by people from the Mt Kenya region.

DP’s complaint

Gachagua said while noise pollution should not be tolerated, owners of entertainment joints should be given time to fit their business with soundproof walls to minimise noise.

“You are the same people who have issued these businessmen and women with licences to operate clubs within the residential areas. You cannot wake up one day and decide to close their business, yet they have invested their money there, rather invite them for a dialogue with an ultimatum,” he said last week.

The tiff between the two last week forced President William Ruto to break his silence saying that he will not allow anyone in his government to interfere with a colleague’s work.

“As the President of this country, I will not allow anyone to look down upon another person’s work. All of us are contributing to building one Kenya,” Ruto said.

While issuing the directive to ban nightclubs in residential areas last year, Sakaja said City Hall will no longer issue permits to such businesses.

President Ruto had supported the crackdown.

“Governor Sakaja, please keep the noise away from our children. You have our support,” Ruto said then.

Sakaja had said the affected entertainment premises can continue operating as bars and restaurants but keep the volume of music at a minimum.

The Governor said the decision was arrived at following numerous complaints by city residents about noise pollution.

He said nightclub licences would in future only be issued to premises operating within the Central Business District and specified streets within select residential areas.