NAIROBI CITY COUNTY SETS NEW GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR LICENCING OF BARS & NIGHT CLUBS
The Nairobi City County through the County Executive Committee Member in charge of Physical Planning has gazetted via gazette notice number 3421 and published on 22nd March, 2024 set new guiding principles that will henceforth be applied when licensing Bars and Night Clubs within the City. In the gazette notice, the county has also enlisted commercial areas for operationalization of night clubs with effect from 15th March, 2024 and set conditions to be met for each specified area. Below are the set principles and listed areas for operationalization of bars night clubs.
Principles that will guide licensing of bars and night clubs within Nairobi City County:
- Zoning specifications–Night clubs will be established in zones which are considered to be predominantly commercial nodes with minimal residential developments.
- Location criteria and parameters–Night clubs and bars will be established within commercial nodes, along major roads and areas with compatible land uses such as offices and commercial.
- Adequate space/minimum plot sizes–Night club establishments must be located in areas with adequate space to accommodate the target population.
- Traffic management–The night clubs are expected to employ adequate and stringent measures to manage traffic flow during peak hours thus preventing congestion and noise pollution.
- Noise management–All clubs are required to implement soundproofing measures to prevent noise pollution to adjacent buildings/developments and minimize disturbances.
- Buffer zones–Buffer zones between bar and restaurants and residential properties is required in commercial nodes which are in close proximity to residential areas.
- Public participation–The process of licensing night clubs will be inclusive to the extent that the public shall be given an opportunity to give their views on the location of the establishment before the licensing is done.
AREA | DESIGNATED LOCATION/STREET | CONDITIONS TO BE MET |
Westlands Area | ChiromoRd, Crossway, Muthithi Road, Mpesi Lane, Mogotio Road, Parklands Road, Ring Road, Ojijo Road. | Strict adherence to the guiding priciples specified in the zoning policy. |
Upperhill | Upper Hill Link Road, Hospital Road, Elgon Road, Matumbato Road, Kiambere Road, Railway Line. | Strict adherence to the guiding principles specified in the zoning policy. |
Karen Triangle | Along Ngong Road, Karen Road, Langata Road. | -Clubs to be set within the shopping center. -Nightclubs should not be located along Karen Road because of proximity to the Deputy President’s official residence. -Strict adherence to the guiding principles specified in the zoning policy. |
Major Roads | Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Eastern Bypass, Kangundo Road, Kiambu Road. | Approvals will be based on strict adherence to the guiding principles |
Pangani Area | Thika Road, Muratina Street, Kipande Athumani Street, Mweni Road, Hombe Road and Ring Road Ngara | Strict adherence to the guiding priciples specified in the zoning policy |
Shopping Malls | Condition that the proprietors shall obtain appropriate approvals from the relevant government institutions. | Strict adherence to the guiding priciples specified in the zoning policy |
Central Business District | Tom Mboya Street, Moi Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue, University Way, Koinange Street, Nairobi River, Haile Selassie, Uhuru Highway, River Road and Harry Thuku Road | -Captures the boundaries within the CBD, inclusive of lanes, and subject to the laid down conditions for the license to be issued. -Shall be accompanied by a map of the area to clearly visualize the exact locations where the outlets can legally operate. -Licensing shall be done upon conclusive inspection and approval by the relevant department. -Night clubs shall not be located within the boundaries of the Government Square or within Government precinct |
Industrial Area | Landhies Road, Factory Street, Workshop Road, Bunyala Road, Uhuru Highway, Commercial Street, Enterprise Road, Lungalunga Road, Makadara Railway, Viwandani, Enterprise Road, Aoko Road, Nairobi River, Outering Road, Dandora Industrial Zone, Kariobangi Industrial Zone, Mathare North Industrial Zone | Strict adherence to the guiding priciples specified in the zoning policy. |
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