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Find lasting solution to noise pollution

Find lasting solution to noise pollution
Noise pollution. Photo used for representational purposes. PHOTO/Pexels

Last week, Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks and Control and Licensing Board revoked the licenses of 42 noisy bars and nightclubs deemed as polluting the environment and disrupting tranquillity in residential areas.

Whereas this was a move in the right direction, it was soon after suspended as the county and business owners sought ways to address the problem that has affected the quality of life in nearly all city suburbs due to breaches of the peace.

Earlier, a Catholic priest in Kisii had raised the alarm regarding the establishment of bars next to schools, a trend he said was influencing learners to pick immoral behaviour. Again, such establishments operate contrary to the law, which expressly prohibits such businesses near schools.

Interestingly, Kenyans used social media to ask authorities to crack down on both entertainment spots and religious institutions that cause noise pollution.

The above cases point to a very serious problem in the country which for many years the State has failed to address. The menace that is noise pollution affects many Kenyans, particularly in urban areas, and a way needs to be found to address the problem without appearing to victimise one group or the other. 

The guiding principle should be to protect moral integrity and shield children from vices such as drug peddling and use, sexual offences and violence. Loud music also causes discomfort regardless of whether it is emanating from an entertainment spot or religious institution, yet this is not for want of sufficient laws against noise pollution.

However, the various State actors – especially the National Campaign Against Drugs Authority (Nacada) and the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) in conjunction with the law enforcers have failed on this front.

Whereas a total ban might appear like a quick and easy solution, it may not necessarily be the silver bullet that government agencies are looking for. What would be more appropriate is to approach each case individually and require them to comply with the set laws. Those who fall off the wagon must then be made to pay the price.

Similarly, authorities and the operators of such institutions ought to be alive to the rights and welfare of others. That calls for proper planning and strict adherence to building and change of use codes. 

Kenyans and their leaders must get serious and develop the courage to act in the public interest even as they seek to keep the economy growing.

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