WE ARE NOW COMPLIANT: B-CLUB MANAGEMENT RETORTS

Nairobi, Kenya 13th October 2020

By Clive Ayuko

In November of 2018 a high Court ruling pronounced itself arguing that it is illegal for nightclubs and bars to operate near residential areas and schools.

Media practioners Sam Oyugi and Clive Ayuko lounging at B-Club before the press briefing. image Courtesy Sam Oyugi.

The ruling by Justice Chacha Mwita argued that residential areas should be free of pollutants such as noise. The Judge would go on to rule that allowing bars and liquor selling businesses within residential areas will thus violate the residents right to live in dignity and a healthy environment. Both Fundamental rights enshrined under the bill of rights.

The particular ruling by Justice Chacha was as a result of a petition filed by Muimara Estate Residents Association.

Anonymous Representative of B-Club addressing journalists at the event. Image courtesy The Whistling African.

In a near similar fate occasioned by a protest letter filed to National Environment and Management Authority (NEMA) by residents of Kilimani area of Nairobi to protest on the infringement of these rights by popular night rendezvous B-Club.

In a letter written by NEMA reference number REF: NEMA/5/4/VOL.1 The Club was ordered to shut its doors to its regular customers and only reopen once it was fully compliant with provisions of Environmental Management and Coordination Act, (EMCA), CAP 387 and the Environmental Management and Coordination (Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution Control) Regulations, 2009.

In addition the letter also stated that the parking lot shall not be used for activities employing the use of sound amplifying devices, submit within 14 days submit a noise survey and submit a report to the same authority and finally submit a letter of committment to the Authority to the effect that the management will comply with the requirements within 24 hours from the date of the receipt of the letter.

After two years of closure the management of B-Club today morning came out to showcase some of the installations it has been forced to make inside the Club to be compliant with the order issued by NEMA.

Some of this fittings include sound proof windows, a raised floor board to prevent disturbance caused by vibrations and window shutters to keeping prying neighbourhood eyes at bay.

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