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About 43 club owners in Nairobi can temporarily breathe a sigh of relief after the county government rescinded the decision to revoke their licences.

 The 43 entertainment joints were facing closure over noise pollution.

 Nairobi Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri directed the club owners to adhere to regulations, failure to which action will be taken against them.

 “Our manifesto is to enable businesses to thrive but you must not infringe on residents’ rights. We have a duty and an obligation to ensure we create a conducive environment for businesses of all sizes to operate,” he said.

 Last week, county director of liquor Hesborn Agwena announced that at least 43 entertainment joints in Nairobi will be closed for noise pollution.

 Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Board launched a crackdown aimed at revoking licenses of the entertainment joints in accordance with the Licensing Act 2014.  Agwena said the move followed numerous complaints from residents about the clubs.  However, the move was condemned by a section of Nairobi MCAs who vowed to protect traders whose entertainment spots were earmarked for closure.

Going further, the DG emphasized said there was a need for people to co-exist peacefully where people can reside as well as conduct their businesses.

He urged liquor outlets to self-regulate and invest on sound proof to minimize noise pollution.

 Muchiri insisted that there was a need for collaboration and continuous dialogue between the business community and residents association in ensuring the zoning laws are adhered to avoid conflict.

 As a result, he called for quarterly roundtable stakeholders meetings between residents and business owners to review progress made.

 “The Sakaja government is pro-business. We are focusing on changing how our enforcement is done and offering support to businesses and not harassing them,” Muchiri said.