In Summary

• Nairobi County Liquor department is almost completing the draft policy on zoning of Night Clubs.
• Noise management is a key factor in zoning process that will see many Night Clubs concentrated in the CBD.

The Nairobi County Liquor Licensing Board is finalizing  the zoning policy of all night clubs in the city a move geared to restore order and curb increased noise pollution.

City Hall trade sector has committed to expedite the process to ensure Night life is more centralize in Nairobi CBD not residential areas.

Nairobi County Executive in charge of Business and Hustler Opportunities (Trade) Ms Maurine Njeri says the policy will bring fresh breath in business, order and nightlife without one compromising the other.

“This draft policy outlines the guiding principles of zoning of areas for night clubs including; the designated use of the land, space availability, traffic management provisions, noise management installations, buffer zones between Night clubs and key institutions amongst others. The zoning policy is aimed at ensuring order is restored in the liquor industry. This comes at the backdrop of increased public complaints on noise pollution from nightclubs in residential areas. In a move that is geared towards bringing back Night life into the Central Business District, the County is considering giving incentives to business people interested in operating within the CBD.”

Reactions from Liquor Vendors

Section of liquor vendors have however, asked the team to also ensure the licensing process is decentralized and zoned.

“The big  problem with e have is the issue of license why should the same be like any other license …you go around and round in renewal of these license despite paying for the same..we have a lot of brokers involved.” Ben Mwangi a vendor.

“Mimi issue yangu ni story kongeza fees zetu bana niajee wanatuslap na charges of over 300 per cent increase that is unfair. Zoning again and businesses is suffering you can’t control alcohol consumption by injecting stringent measures on the same because drinking alcohol or rather alcoholism is a habit and cant be solved through law.” Another trader said.