New Plan: Nairobi Bars Near Homes & Schools Face Closure
The national government has ordered the closure of all Nairobi nightclubs and bars within 300 meters of residential areas and schools.
In addition to facing disciplinary action, police officers convicted of protecting such businesses for a charge will also face reprimand. By Friday, August 18, 2023, all deputy commissioners, according to Nairobi Regional Commissioner Katee Mwanza, will compile a catalog of all such locations.
“As you are well aware, the government has explicitly stated that no clubs may operate in residential areas or within 300 meters of educational institutions,” Ms. Mwanza wrote in the August 17 notice to Nairobi County deputy commissioners.
“Therefore, both the national and county governments instructed their employees to establish multi-agency teams to ensure that no nightclubs operate in residential areas. While this has been implemented in some areas, it is evident that insufficient action has been taken in other areas.”
In a similar vein, Ms. Mwanza suggests that the officers submit a confidential list of police officers suspected of collaborating with nightclubs and clubs.
“Submit a confidential list of officers involved in the protection of illegal activities in support of the night club(s) operators… ensure continuous surveillance to ensure that the clubs do not re-engage in their illegal operations,” Ms. Mwanza instructed.
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The deputy county commissioners are to promptly implement the government directive in conjunction with their multi-agency teams and report to her office on the matter.
Ms. Mwanza added that the national government and respective county governments initially directed their relevant personnel to establish multi-agency teams to ensure that no nightclubs operate in residential areas.
Mr. Boniface Gachoka, general secretary of the Nairobi Bar Owners Association, confirmed that they are aware of the circular and intend to state the directive, which he claims will be detrimental to their businesses if implemented. “We will issue a response to the Regional Commissioner’s letter,” said Mr. Gachoka.
Last year, Governor Johnson Sakaja of Nairobi initiated an assault on loud clubs and bars in residential areas, a move that was supported by President William Ruto.
“Governor Sakaja, please keep our children away from the commotion. Last year, while in Tetu, President Ruto said, “You have our support.”
Several clubs were closed but subsequently reopened after complying with the county’s directives, which included soundproofing.
New Plan: Nairobi Bars Near Homes & Schools Face Closure
