CS Duale Directs NEMA Officials to Crackdown on Noise Pollution

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has cautioned Kenyans against engaging in noise pollution during this festive season.

In a notice dated 17 December, Duale warned that noise pollution would not be tolerated during the Christmas festive season or at any other time thereafter.

While making the announcement, the minister instructed the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to begin a crackdown on all entertainment establishments involved in noise pollution.

Duale urged all facilities planning to use loud sound to first undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in accordance with the Environmental Management and Coordination Act.

The CS noted cautioned that any facility found operating without an Environmental Impact Assessment license would be liable for prosecution for violating the law on noise pollution.

According to the former Defence CS, all shopping centres, commercial centres, business premises, and places of worship such as churches, mosques and temples were subject to the impact assessment.

Duale revealed that recently, NEMA had received several complaints from Kenyans about noise pollution, particularly caused by entertainment establishments and worship centres.

“The Noise and Excessive Vibration – Pollution Control Regulations of 2009 prohibit the use of sound-amplifying equipment in a loud, annoying, or offensive manner that interferes with the comfort, repose, health, or safety of members of the public,” Duale stated.

“The Authority notes with concern that most of the facilities reported by the public for causing noise pollution are not compliant,” he added.

Following the directive, members of the public were urged to report any facilities causing noise pollution through the NEMA hotline numbers 0741 101 100 or 0786 101 100.

Duale’s latest order comes barely two months after he ordered a major crackdown on noise pollution in Nairobi. Addressing the press on October 22, the CS directed NEMA officials to arrest all non-compliant owners of joints and worship centres.

The crackdown included the NEMA Police Unit and other agencies. The multi-agency team went around the suburbs of Nairobi targeting mainly entertainment joints, construction sites and factories to ensure they complied with environmental laws.