Kenya: Nyeri Traders Want Noisy Boda Bodas, Matatus Banned From CBD

The Nyeri business community has petitioned the county assembly to compel local administrators to enforce noise pollution laws.

The local chapter of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) laments that noise from motorcycles, matatus, open-air church events, roadshows and company promotional campaigns are disrupting the business environment.

KNCCI singled out boda bodas, saying some riders had modified their mufflers to make them louder.

Some matatus also hoot unnecessarily, they added.

“Street preachers and some churches use very loud and noisy public address systems hence creating an unconducive environment for those working and living within the Nyeri business centre,” the petition says.

Noise pollution is any unwanted or disturbing sound that affects the health and well-being of humans and other organisms.

It can cause health problems for people and animals. From traffic noise to roadshows and music concerts, loud sounds can cause hearing loss, stress, sleep disturbances and high blood pressure.

Under the noise control regulations of 2009, the penalties include a hefty fine, imprisonment or both.

“Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of these Regulations, commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding more than Sh350,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding eighteen months or to both,” it reads.

The regulations ban hawking, preaching, touting, advertising, promotions or any commercial activity that involves shouting in the central business district in any town, residential area or those designated as silent zones.