NEMA Orders Closure of Habanos Lounge Over Noise Pollution Concerns

Today the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) of Kenya issued a closure order against Habanos Lounge, a popular nightclub located along the Northern Bypass near Kiambu Road. The directive, effective immediately, came after persistent complaints from nearby residents about excessive noise pollution and the club’s failure to comply with prior noise control orders.
NEMA’s decision follows weeks of escalating tensions, highlighted by a senior government official’s public call on April 6 for the club to address the noise issue. The official, previously associated with the Hustler Nation Intelligence Bureau, pointed out that the noise was severely impacting families and schoolchildren in the Ridgeways area, with some residents forced to soundproof their homes to cope. The official urged Habanos to follow the example of neighboring clubs like BND, which had already implemented soundproofing measures.
Habanos Lounge, strategically positioned near affluent residential neighborhoods, had been under scrutiny for its loud operations. NEMA’s statement confirmed that despite earlier warnings, the club did not take adequate steps to mitigate the noise, prompting the closure. The authority emphasized its commitment to enforcing environmental regulations, particularly in residential areas where noise pollution can significantly disrupt quality of life.
This action is part of a broader crackdown by NEMA on noisy establishments. In March 2025, the authority issued warnings to three nightclubs in Lavington and Kilimani, demanding robust noise control measures with the threat of closure for non-compliance. NEMA’s Environmental Education Director, Ayub Macharia, recently reiterated that the agency would not spare any establishment—be it clubs, companies, or even churches—found violating noise pollution regulations. This stance aligns with Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja’s 2024 directive banning nightclubs from operating in residential zones and restricting them to commercial areas.
The closure of Habanos Lounge raises questions about the balance between entertainment businesses and community well-being. While nightclubs contribute to the local economy and nightlife culture, their proximity to residential areas often leads to conflicts. NEMA’s firm action signals a prioritization of environmental and public health over commercial interests, but it also underscores the need for better urban planning and stricter adherence to zoning laws.
For residents near Habanos, the closure brings relief, though some wonder if the club will appeal the order or take steps to reopen with proper noise mitigation. For now, NEMA’s enforcement serves as a reminder that environmental regulations are not mere suggestions—they are mandates meant to protect the public from the often-overlooked harm of noise pollution.