Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale has ordered the immediate closure of Fay’s Bistro in Kilimani, Nairobi, over violations of noise regulations. The decision follows persistent complaints from local residents regarding the excessive noise generated by the club.
Duale made the announcement on social media, emphasizing that noise pollution in residential areas will not be tolerated.
In his message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Duale stated, “Let this serve as a stern warning to all clubs operating in residential areas. Any that continue to play loud music will face the same action. This impunity will not be tolerated!”
Adan Duale orders closure of Kilimani club
The order was enforced by a team from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) alongside officers from the agency, who were on-site to ensure compliance.
The closure of Fay’s Bistro comes after a raid by officials from the Nairobi City County Government on Saturday evening.
The raid was part of an ongoing crackdown on noise pollution in residential areas. Despite multiple warnings to the club’s management, the issue of loud music persisted, prompting the authorities to take decisive action.
This move is in line with the county’s broader effort to address noise pollution, a growing concern among Nairobi’s urban residents. Noise complaints from Kilimani residents have been on the rise, particularly from those living near entertainment venues that frequently play loud music late into the night.
Such disturbances have led to increasing pressure on local government officials to take stricter measures against violators.
Fay’s Bistro is not the first club in Kilimani to face repercussions for violating noise regulations. Just a month prior, Quivers Club, also located in Kilimani, announced that it would cease playing loud music following pressure from the county government.
The decision came after county officials revealed their intentions to shut down the club over similar complaints of noise pollution.
In a statement released by Quivers Club at the time, the management explained their decision to stop playing loud music, citing a desire to maintain good relations with the neighborhood and contribute to environmental conservation.
“Following the current development based on the views of our neighborhood and in the spirit of unity, environment conservation, and the numerous telephone conversations between our wonderful neighbors and our management, we wish to bring this groundbreaking decision to public attention,” the club’s statement read.
The decision was hailed as innovative by Quivers Club, which positioned itself as the first establishment in the area to embrace a new concept: offering a quiet, music-free environment while still allowing guests to enjoy food, drinks, and conversation.
The club highlighted that its new approach aimed to create a space where patrons could fully enjoy their time without the distraction of loud music, fostering an environment for more meaningful interactions.
“Our unique approach aims to create a space where guests can fully enjoy their time without the distraction of loud music. We believe people can still have a great time connecting, sharing in the joy of togetherness,” Quivers Club management explained in their statement.
The club’s management also reassured its guests that despite the absence of music, the dedicated staff would remain on hand to ensure that everyone felt welcomed and entertained.
Quivers Club is located near key government institutions, including the State House and the Department of Defence, as well as residential areas, making the issue of noise pollution even more sensitive. By opting for a quieter atmosphere, the club hopes to maintain its business while respecting the needs of the surrounding community.
Duale’s closure order of Fay’s Bistro and the proactive decision by Quivers Club underscore a growing trend in Nairobi as the city grapples with balancing entertainment culture with the rights of residents to a peaceful living environment.
As complaints about noise pollution continue to rise, the county government is expected to intensify its efforts to enforce compliance with noise regulations, with more establishments likely to face scrutiny.
The message from authorities is clear: Nairobi’s entertainment venues must operate within the confines of the law, ensuring that they do not disrupt the peace and well-being of residents in nearby residential areas.
