A bar in Lavington, linked to a politician, has defied a warning from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) over noise pollution, leaving neighbors frustrated and seeking urgent help.
NEMA officials visited Kettle House Bar and Grill on January 8 and issued a Restoration Order due to complaints about loud noise.
The bar, located on Muthangari Road near Chiromo Group of Hospitals, schools, and residential homes, was asked to provide several documents, including an Environmental Impact Assessment license and a noise control plan, within seven days.
They were also ordered to stop noisy operations until compliance was confirmed.
Despite these warnings, residents say the bar continues to blast loud music, ignoring both their concerns and official directives.
One neighbor expressed frustration, stating that children in the area cannot focus or rest because of the constant noise.
Another questioned why the bar remains open despite government promises to shut down bars near schools.
The neighbors accuse the bar’s management of being dismissive and relying on political connections to avoid consequences.
The Nairobi County government has previously raided the bar, but no effective action has been taken.
NEMA officials promised to revisit the establishment to check if the bar has followed their directives.
When asked about the complaints, a worker at Kettle House Bar claimed ignorance, saying they had operated for three years without knowing who was complaining.
This bar has faced controversies before. In January 2024, it made news when bouncers assaulted journalists and officials from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) during a raid targeting illegal shisha use.
Kenya banned shisha in 2017 due to health concerns, with violators facing hefty fines or jail time.
The raid turned violent, leading to the arrest of 11 bouncers, who were charged with assault and other offences.
The court also issued arrest warrants for 10 more employees.
Residents are now urging NEMA and other authorities to act decisively to resolve the noise issue and restore calm to the neighborhood.
