NEMA Issues Strict Directive To Loud Churches, Clubs Or Face Closure
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has pledged to halt the operations of firms, churches, and clubs that have been found to be creating noise pollution.
In a statement issued on Friday, February 14, NEMA stated that it will pursue enterprises that have previously completed an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
The EIA process ensures that potential environmental impacts of proposed projects are recognized and mitigated prior to execution.
Dr Ayub Macharia, NEMA Director Compliance, stated following a series of inspections on excessive noise pollution in Ruiru, Kiambu County, that the authority will enforce regulations that have been neglected.
“Any facility reported by the public for causing noise pollution will attract enforcement action from NEMA and be compelled to; immediately stop any operations that support or generate noise pollution and undertake an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) with adequate public participation,” said Ayub.
He added, “If the facility has an EIA license, it will attract prosecution for violation of the EIA license conditions regarding noise pollution.”
TODAY: @NemaKenya carried out inspections on excessive noise pollution in Ruiru, Kiambu County. The exercise targeted places of worship and entertainment hubs. This followed persistent complaints from residents of excessive noise emanating from the facilities. The inspected… pic.twitter.com/2nVwX9NbHG
— NEMA Kenya (@NemaKenya) February 14, 2025
The legislation forbids excessive noise that creates loud, unreasonable, unneeded, or unexpected noise that disturbs, injures or endangers others.
The Environmental Management and Coordination (Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution) (Control) Regulations of 2009 establish maximum allowed noise levels in specific zones.
For example, in quiet zones such as hospitals and educational institutions, noise should not exceed 40 decibels during the day and 35 dB at night.
Residential areas have limitations of 50 decibels during the day and 35 decibels at night, whilst commercial zones allow up to 60 decibels during the day and 35 at night.
Violations of these noise limits result in hefty penalties. Individuals or entities found guilty of exceeding the permitted noise levels may face fines of up to Ksh350,000, imprisonment for no more than 18 months, or both.
Individuals or entities planning activities that may produce noise over allowed limits can get a license from NEMA.
This includes events with sound-amplifying equipment, as well as construction, demolition, mining, and quarrying activities.
NEMA is already collaborating with the Nairobi County government, which has said that all matatus must quiet their music while entering the Nairobi CBD and may only blast it when leaving.
Geoffrey Mosiria, Nairobi County’s Chief Officer for Environment, has announced that matatu touts and bus stop conductors (kamageras) will no longer be allowed to shout and call out to people.
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Furthermore, any establishment with loudspeakers outdoors will be obliged to remove them.
This includes businesses such as electronics stores, which frequently play loud music while someone (a sales promotion) calls customers and announces the available offers.
This also covers establishments with loudspeakers that play pre-recorded communications to clients.
“We want the town to be quiet. We want to restore order,” Mosiria asserted.
NEMA Issues Strict Directive To Loud Churches, Clubs Or Face Closure
