The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
The Milimani Environment and Land Court has issued interim orders stopping Club 213 from playing music for patrons at its premises following complaints over excessive noise and disturbances.
The order took effect on Sunday after Allan Monroe Onyango, a resident of a neighbouring property near the junction of Isaac Gathanju Road and James Gichuru Road in Lavington, Nairobi, filed a petition on Monday, August 3.
Through his lawyer, Dennis Onyango, Monroe asked the court to intervene, saying residents had been subjected to prolonged disturbance and suffering, particularly during the court vacation.
He accused 213 Lounge and Restaurant of playing loud music from around midday when the establishment opens until the early hours of the following morning.
Monroe also complained that the large number of vehicles arriving at the entertainment venue overwhelms its available parking space, forcing motorists to park along pedestrian walkways and in front of residential gates on Isaac Gathanju Road.
According to the petitioner, the resulting congestion creates traffic jams and disorder around the intersection of Isaac Gathanju Road and James Gichuru Road, disrupting the movement of both pedestrians and motorists accessing nearby homes.
The petitioner further accused Nairobi City County and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) of issuing what he described as unlawful permits allowing the club to operate in a residential neighbourhood.
He claimed the club’s operations had resulted in noise, public disorder and other disturbances that had negatively affected residents.
Monroe also alleged that Nairobi County and NEMA had failed to take action against the establishment or ensure that it complied with the conditions attached to its operating licence.
In response, Lady Justice Murigi issued interim orders on Friday directing Nairobi County and NEMA to inspect the premises within seven days.
The inspection is intended to determine whether the club is complying with the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) regulations governing excessive noise.
The two agencies have also been directed to prepare and submit a report to the court within the stipulated period.
The parties have seven days to file and serve their submissions, with the matter scheduled for mention on Thursday.
