Nairobi County’s Chief Officer for Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, has raised concerns over the declining vibrancy of the Central Business District (CBD), blaming it on the absence of clubs and entertainment joints in the area.
According to Mosiria, the CBD, which was once the heartbeat of Nairobi’s nightlife, now feels deserted and lifeless once the sun sets.
Speaking on Friday, August 29, Mosiria urged entertainment business owners to consider moving back to the CBD as a way of reviving the city’s economy and bringing back the vibrant nightlife that the area was once known for.
He explained that this move would not only breathe life into the city centre but also reduce the rising number of entertainment joints in residential areas, which has become a major source of complaints from residents.
“Let us shift entertainment activities away from residential neighbourhoods and return them to the CBD. Walking through Nairobi’s CBD at night today feels empty, with no lively nightlife atmosphere,” Mosiria said.
He went on to add, “If we want to revive the economy of the city, then entertainment must return to the heart of Nairobi. At the same time, residents in estates deserve peace, quiet, and comfort, something they had before Covid-19 disrupted both our economy and entertainment industry.”
The Problem of Clubs in Residential Areas
Mosiria pointed out that while the CBD is struggling with only a handful of entertainment venues, residential areas are overcrowded with clubs, bars, and lounges.
This, he noted, has created conflict, with many Nairobians complaining about sleepless nights caused by loud music and disturbances from nearby clubs. For him, the imbalance is a pressing concern that his office cannot ignore.
Even so, Mosiria admitted that implementing this plan would not be an easy task. He hinted at introducing stricter policies to push entertainment joints back into the CBD, even if the measures may appear harsh or unpopular among business owners.
“This will require making some tough choices, but it is a necessary move. We must get it right for the sake of both the city’s economy and the well-being of our residents,” he insisted.
Mosiria’s Crackdown on Clubs in Nairobi
The Chief Officer is not new to battles with the entertainment industry. Over the past year, he has spearheaded a series of high-profile crackdowns on noisy clubs and bars across Nairobi. His department has been enforcing county laws on noise pollution, waste management, and compliance with environmental standards.
In September 2024, Mosiria personally led the closure of Quiver Steak House in Kilimani after residents complained about loud music that kept them awake at night.
The complaints painted a picture of sleepless families who argued that their right to peace was being violated by constant noise from the establishment. The county, led by Mosiria, responded by shutting down the popular joint.
The same approach was taken in May 2025, when the well-known Habanos Club was closed indefinitely.
The decision followed multiple complaints from nearby residents about excessive noise. On Wednesday, May 28, Mosiria announced that the club would remain shut until it put in place sufficient measures to control noise levels.
Interestingly, Habanos had already faced action earlier, with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) ordering its closure after it ignored directives meant to control noise pollution. Despite this, the club continued to operate, drawing further complaints and eventually prompting Mosiria’s decisive action.
Balancing Business and Residents’ Rights
For Mosiria, the fight is about finding a balance. He acknowledges that clubs and entertainment spots are important for the city’s economy, but he is equally firm that residents must not suffer at the expense of nightlife.
By pushing clubs back into the CBD, he believes both goals can be achieved: businesses will thrive in a lively city centre, while residential estates regain their peace.
Still, this move will require cooperation between the county government, entertainment business owners, and Nairobi residents. Mosiria’s vision is clear — to restore the CBD as the true hub of nightlife in Nairobi while protecting families from noise pollution in their homes.
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