Governor Sakaja Warns County Officers: Stop Harassing Revellers, DJs and Business Owners at Night

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has ordered an immediate halt to disruptive late-night raids on clubs, bars, and entertainment venues, warning county enforcement officers against harassing disc jockeys, customers, and business owners.

The directive follows sustained complaints from hospitality operators over aggressive nighttime operations and uncoordinated inspections across the capital.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with liquor and entertainment industry stakeholders at Charter Hall, City Hall, on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Sakaja emphasized that the county’s regulatory relationship is strictly with licensed establishment proprietors rather than performers or patrons.

He noted that storming venues at night over noise complaints creates unnecessary panic, exposes revellers to injuries, and disrupts legitimate businesses.

Under the revised enforcement protocol, compliance teams are instructed to record sound decibel levels at offending premises, present the readings to the establishment manager on the spot, and pursue closures or penalties during daytime business hours the following day.

The Governor also questioned the practice of targeting DJs and confiscating sound equipment, reminding officers that operating licences are issued to business owners.

To curb extortion and impostors posing as county officials, Sakaja directed the publication of an official roster of 364 authorized inspection officers deployed across Nairobi’s 17 sub-counties.

Moving forward, the county will conduct coordinated, multi-sectoral inspections rather than allowing separate departments to make repeated, unannounced visits to the same establishments.

Alongside the enforcement overhaul, the Governor announced a 14-day consultation period with industry representatives to review disputed entertainment and event taxes introduced under the Nairobi City County Finance Act, 2026.

In return, he urged bar and club owners to maintain compliance with noise regulations and uphold cleanliness within 10 meters of their premises ahead of the busy festive season.

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