This archive report was first published on 28 October 2019.
On October 28, 2019, the Environment and Land Court made a landmark ruling that ordered the closure of four entertainment joints in Nairobi's Kilimani area.
The court, presided over by Justice Loise Komingai, directed the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) and the Nairobi County Government to revoke operating licenses issued to Kiza Restaurants, Space Lounge, Explorers Tavern, and B Concept.
The court's decision was made in response to a petition filed by residents through the Kilimani Project Foundation, a lobby group, who claimed that the four joints had breached their rights to a clean and healthy environment by playing loud music at night and hosting rowdy revellers.
According to Justice Komingai, the four joints were in contravention of the Environmental Management and Coordination (Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution) Control Regulations 2009.
Although the court declined to order the permanent closure of the four joints, citing that they were duly licensed by Nema and City Hall, it issued a mandatory injunction compelling the authorities to enforce closure notices against the joints.
