City Hall and Churches Reach Noise Pollution Agreement to Benefit Nairobi Residents

By Collins Wanzallah

Nairobi County officials and church leaders have come to an agreement on measures to reduce noise pollution during religious services in the city. The deal was reached following a meeting between Nairobi County’s Chief Environment Officer, Geoffrey Mosiria, and representatives from various churches, including Bishop Peter Njau, Chairman of the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK), and Bishop Samuel Njiriri of Steward Revival Church.

During a press briefing held at City Hall, Mosiria stated that the meeting concluded with an understanding that churches, both in the Central Business District (CBD) and residential estates, would control noise levels by installing soundproofing in their buildings. He emphasized that the noise control measures were not limited to churches but extended to mosques, clubs, and matatu touts at various bus stages across the city.

Bishops Njau and Njiriri affirmed their members’ willingness to comply with the regulations, stressing the importance of maintaining good relations between churches and local communities. They raised concerns, however, that some individuals might take advantage of minor disputes to falsely report churches to county authorities for noise violations.

In addition to noise control, Mosiria announced a joint initiative between the county and churches to establish a Nairobi County Environmental Day. This event will include tree planting and prayers for the city and the country. He encouraged churches struggling to manage noise levels to seek assistance from City Hall and explore the option of holding large gatherings at Uhuru Park.

To commemorate Mazingira Day, both religious leaders and county officials planted trees at Uhuru Park.