A controversial bar linked to a politician in the Lavington area has defied a warning from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to address noise pollution, leaving neighbours frustrated and calling for urgent intervention.
NEMA officials had, on Wednesday, January 8, visited Kettle House Bar and Grill located along Muthangari Road in Lavington and issued a Restoration Order over noise pollution concerns.
“This followed complaints by members of the public regarding excessive noise emanating from the facility. They were directed to present an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) license, an annual environmental audit, and noise pollution control measures within seven days of receiving the order,” stated NEMA in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The facility was also ordered to immediately cease operations responsible for noise pollution until compliance levels were assessed.
However, neighbours claim the bar has done nothing to address the complaints.
They say the facility continues to play loud music, blatantly ignoring their grievances and warnings from authorities.
This situation is particularly troubling given that the bar is located next to the Chiromo Group of Hospitals, a school, and residential houses.
“Our children cannot rest or concentrate because of the noise,” said one frustrated neighbour.
“The bar can sell their products without playing loud music. The management is rude and brags about being connected, making our nights unbearable.”
Another neighbour questioned how the facility was allowed to operate in such a sensitive location.

“The government announced last year that bars near schools would be shut down. Why is this one still operating despite causing so much inconvenience?”
The Nairobi County government has previously raided the bar, but no concrete action has been taken to enforce compliance.
NEMA officials have indicated that they will revisit the facility to determine if it has adhered to the directives issued in January.
When approached for comment, a worker at the bar dismissed the complaints, saying, “We have been here for the past three years, and we don’t know who is complaining. We are in business.”
This is not the first time Kettle House Bar has been in the spotlight.
In January 2024, the establishment made headlines after bouncers assaulted journalists and officials from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) during a raid.
The operation, which took place on January 5, targeted shisha consumption — an activity banned in Kenya since 2017.
The incident turned violent and 11 bouncers were arrested and charged with assault.
The court later issued a warrant of arrest for 10 additional employees over the same incident.
Those arrested were charged with multiple offences, including three counts of assault causing actual bodily harm, three counts of assaulting officers in the execution of duty and selling shisha.
The accused pleaded not guilty and were released on a cash bail of Ksh 30,000 each, with an alternative bond of Ksh 100,000.
Kenya outlawed shisha consumption, advertising, and distribution in 2017, imposing stiff penalties on violators, including fines starting at Ksh 50,000 or jail terms of at least six months.
As the noise pollution complaints escalate, residents are urging NEMA and other relevant authorities to take decisive action against the bar to restore peace in the neighbourhood.