The government has revived its campaign against bars operating in residential areas. Deputy county commissioners in Nairobi have been directed to compile a list of entertainment joints that are breaking the law.

Regional Commissioner Katee Mwanza directed the DCCs to submit the lists in his office by Friday.

He said the directive followed complaints that there are noisy nightclubs still operating in residential areas.

“The government clearly stated that no club should operate in residential areas or near 300 metres of learning institutions. While this has been implemented in some areas, there is clearly inadequate action being taken in some areas,” Mwanza said.

The DCCs were directed to work with multi-agency teams to ensure regulations on operating  bars and restaurants in residential areas is enforced.

“Ensure continuous surveillance to ensure that the clubs do not re-engage in their illegal operations. All officers abetting this illegality will be held personally responsible for the failure to stop the illegal activities,” the regional commissioner warned.

Remedial measures

But the Bar Hotels Liquor Traders Association of Kenya called for an amicable resolution of the issue.

BAHLITA secretary general Boniface Gachoka said the county commissioner’s directive caught them by surprise.

“This apology is genuine one but this dispute we would like it to be taken as a dispute between neighbours,” he said.

He said that the association had instituted remedial measures to curb a repeat of the infringement on the laws governing noise pollution in residential areas.

Gachoka asked for a grace period of six months for bar and nightclub owners in residential areas to soundproof their premises which he said is a very expensive undertaking.

He cautioned against shutting down of bars, saying it would impact negatively on the livelihoods of over 14,700 employees and suppliers.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is set to conduct a mapping exercise for all liquor outlets across the city.

Sakaja has been on the forefront in the crackdown on bars polluting noise in residential areas.