Nairobi — The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has shut down Oyster Bay, a popular fast‑food and entertainment venue in Kilimani, due to noise pollution. In a letter to the establishment’s management, seen by Capital Business, NEMA explained that it was compelled to act after receiving numerous complaints from local residents. “There have been numerous complaints on noise pollution from the residents of Kilimani where you are located caused by extreme loud music from your facility that interferes with their comfort, repose, health and safety,” the letter read.
NEMA noted that the noise disturbance violates the Environmental Management Act of 1999 and the Environmental Management Coordination Regulations of 2009. The agency also pointed out that Oyster Bay began operating without submitting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report or obtaining the required licence. Consequently, the venue will remain closed indefinitely until it complies with the relevant regulations.
The closure comes as Nairobi County intensifies its crackdown on entertainment venues that ignore noise‑pollution rules. In November of last year, Governor Johnson Sakaja cancelled licences for nightclubs operating in residential areas and instructed officers not to renew such permits. Licences were to be issued only to establishments in the Central Business District and other designated non‑residential zones. Sakaja highlighted the constant public complaints about noise from bars, restaurants, nightclubs and liquor‑selling premises, and he barred these venues from playing loud music after 10 p.m.
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