The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has issued a public notice ordering 107 facilities, including clubs, lounges, bars, and restaurants, to comply with noise pollution regulations.

The notice, dated September 8, 2025, comes amid rising public complaints about excessive noise affecting neighboring communities, under the Environment Management and Coordination (Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution) (Control) Regulations, 2009.

“NEMA has been receiving public noise pollution complaints from the public regarding club/lounge, bar, & Restaurants across the country. Several facilities have been served with Environmental Restoration Orders requiring them to provide environmental compliance documents, but the majority have failed to comply,” read NEMA’s notice in part, dated September 22, 2025.

Authority and enforcement

Established under the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) CAP 387, NEMA is mandated to oversee environmental matters and implement policies to protect public health and the environment. Section 101 of EMCA directs the authority to develop standards for noise abatement.

The 2009 regulations empower NEMA to enforce compliance in partnership with lead agencies and county governments. Several facilities had previously been served Environmental Restoration Orders but failed to submit the required documentation, prompting the latest directive.

Facilities and compliance requirements

The affected establishments span locations from Ruiru to Mombasa and include Red Eagle Bar & Restaurant, Jambo Lounge, Habanos Lounge, and LA Baita Lounge and Club 030 Kabarnet Town among others.

NEMA has given the facilities seven days from the notice date to submit key documents, including certificates of incorporation and lists of directors/owners (CR-12), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) licenses, current Environmental Audits (EA), noise pollution control measures, and justifications against legal action or closure. Failure to comply could result in further enforcement measures.

“The following listed facilities are required to avail to the Authority the following documents within seven (7) days from the date of this notice: 1. The certificate of incorporation and list of Directors/owners (CR – 12) 2. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) License for the facility 3. The current Environmental Audit (EA) 4. Noise pollution control measures in place 5. Reasons why legal action or closure should not be taken against your facility,” read the notice.

Concerns and ongoing efforts

The crackdown follows growing concerns over noise pollution, particularly in Nairobi’s Pipeline area. Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria raised alarm on August 14, 2025, during an environmental clean-up exercise, citing loud music from churches and religious gatherings disrupting residential life. Mosiria emphasised that religious freedom should not compromise residents’ well-being, especially for children, the elderly, and those working from home.

The directive also aligns with Mosiria’s earlier exposure of poor living conditions in Pipeline, where blocked toilets led to raw sewage spills, increasing environmental risks. NEMA and county officials continue to balance economic activity with environmental and public health standards, ensuring communities can live in safer and quieter environments.