Lead image for Nema, Nairobi County ordered to inspect club 213 over noise pollution.
National Environment Management Authority (Nema) and the Nairobi County government have been directed to inspect a club in Lavington to determine whether measures installed to contain noise pollution are effective, following complaints by residents.
The Environment and Land Court ordered Nema and the county government to jointly or separately conduct a sound assessment at 213 Lounge & Restaurant Ltd within seven days and file a report in court.
“The 2nd and 3rd Respondent shall within 7 days jointly or separately arrange for an inspection and sound assessment of the premises to determine whether the soundproofing measures undertaken by the 1st Respondent are effective,” the court ordered.
The judge directed that an existing order restraining the club from playing music would remain in force, except for a limited and controlled assessment exercise by Nema and the county government.
The court allowed the club to play music at controlled levels for only such period as may reasonably be required by the two agencies to conduct the assessment.
“The permission is strictly confined to the assessment exercise and shall not be construed as a variation or discharge of the Order,” the court stated.
The assessment will include measurements of noise levels, in decibels, both inside and outside the premises, including at the boundary of the affected neighbourhood.
The order followed a case filed by resident Allan Monroe Onyango, who complained that noise from the establishment had deprived residents of peaceful sleep.