The Summer House, a business belonging to media personality Betty Kyallo, was trending after a section of Karen and Lang’ata residents expressed their displeasure with its operations.
In a letter dated November 25 and addressed to Nairobi County, Karen and Lang’ata Residents District Association said the facility caused unprecedented noise pollution by allegedly playing loud music at night.
The residents further said the noise was causing inconvenience and discomfort to people living within the vicinity.
“We demand that the Nairobi City County Government immediately closes the facility and withdraws any approvals or licenses issued to The Summer House,” read part of the letter.
They also said the establishment, which opened its doors to the public two months ago, allegedly did not follow the prerequisite process when seeking to develop the property as is required by law.
“There was no change of use from residential to commercial permission sought from the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) or Nairobi County Government to our knowledge,” they said.
But speaking to Word Is, business owner Betty Kyallo said the establishment is a family restaurant.
“We have been blessed with a fantastic space for family and everyone is invited at the place to come and experience what kind of people we are before judging what we offer,” Betty said.
In the letter, the complainants said there was no public notification made in any daily newspaper about The Summer House development.
“The Summer House opened its doors without having procured the necessary approvals, including conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment audit (EIA),” they claimed in the letter.
Betty told the publication that everyone is welcome to the place.
“Come over kwa ground. We chill and just enjoy our meals. We have the best Kuku Choma called Type C, Nyama Choma called Moto Moto, wet fry called Nyama wet, Kuku Kienyeji called Kuku ya Kakamega, and many others.”
The Summer House was officially opened to the public on November 18, 2022.
On Friday last week, Nairobi Governor Sakaja revoked licences for all nightclubs and joints operating within residential areas directing them to only operate in the CBD.
This, he said, was aimed at curbing noise pollution.
“Henceforth night club licenses will be issued to premises only within the Central Business District and specified streets in other non-residential areas,” read the statement through county secretary Jairus Musumba.
The move comes amidst complaints from a section of Nairobi residents over loud music from particular social places.
