Nairobi County Closes Habanos Club Indefinitely for Non-Compliance
Nairobi City County has indefinitely shut down Habanos Lounge, a popular nightclub located along Kiambu Road, following sustained complaints from residents about excessive noise pollution.
Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria confirmed the closure on Wednesday evening, stating that the establishment would remain closed until it puts in place proper noise mitigation measures.
“As the county government, our objective is not to shut down businesses but to ensure that all establishments operate in an environmentally friendly and compliant manner, particularly in regard to noise pollution regulations,” Mosiria said in a statement.
The move came after weeks of unrest among residents, with some revealing that the club continued operations despite a previous order by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to cease activities due to non-compliance with noise control directives.
“Habanos is not closed and continues to operate as usual, terrorising residents with their illegal noise,” one frustrated resident told Kenyans.co.ke earlier in the week.
NEMA had issued a closure directive on April 16, but the club allegedly ignored it, forcing Nairobi County officials to intervene. The fresh enforcement marks a growing trend of accountability, with NEMA and the county targeting businesses situated in residential areas that violate environmental standards.
On its official social media platforms, Habanos Lounge downplayed the shutdown, claiming it had closed temporarily for ‘maintenance’.
However, county officials clarified that specific requirements had been outlined for the lounge’s management, including comprehensive soundproofing of the premises. Only after these measures have been implemented and verified will the club be permitted to resume operations.
This is not an isolated incident. Earlier this year in March, NEMA issued warnings to three other nightclubs in Lavington, urging them to comply with noise mitigation requirements or face similar consequences.
NEMA’s crackdown is not limited to nightclubs. The authority’s Environmental Education Director, Ayub Macharia, stated that places of worship could also be penalized if found violating noise regulations.
As urban residents continue to demand their right to peace and quiet, authorities have promised stricter enforcement of environmental laws to ensure a sustainable and livable Nairobi.
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Nairobi County Closes Habanos Club Indefinitely for Non-Compliance