The Environment and Land Court has temporarily restrained 213 Lounge and Restaurant in Lavington from playing music to entertain patrons, pending an inspection by Nairobi City County and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) over allegations of excessive noise.
Justice T. Murigi issued the interim orders following a petition filed by Lavington resident Allan Monroe Onyango against 213 Lounge & Restaurant Limited, Nairobi City County and NEMA. Onyango and other residents living around Isaac Gathanju Road and James Gichuru Road have accused the club of causing excessive noise, traffic congestion and other disturbances.
In orders issued on Friday last week, the court directed Nairobi County and NEMA to jointly inspect the establishment within seven days to determine whether it complies with Environmental Management and Coordination Act regulations relating to excessive noise. The two agencies have also been ordered to prepare and file a compliance report in court within seven days of the inspection.
The court further directed that the application be determined through written submissions, with each party given seven days to file and serve its submissions, beginning with the applicant. The matter is scheduled for mention on August 13, 2026.
Onyango moved to court claiming the establishment’s operations have become a source of misery and frustration for residents living near the premises. In his court papers, he alleges that the lounge attracts large numbers of patrons and operates into the early hours of the morning. Residents further allege that loud music from the premises interferes with their sleep and affects adults who have to report to work as well as school-going children.
The petition also raises complaints over parking, with residents alleging that vehicles belonging to patrons overwhelm the available parking and spill onto pavements, pedestrian walkways and residential gates, sometimes obstructing access to homes.
Onyango further alleges that intoxicated revellers sometimes leave the establishment shouting profanities and relieving themselves along roads, sidewalks and perimeter walls of neighbouring homes. The residents say their grievances are not new. Documents filed in court include complaints dating back to July 2024 in which residents sought intervention from the establishment, Nairobi County and NEMA over alleged noise pollution and demanded the club’s closure.
In the substantive application, Onyango is seeking further orders compelling Nairobi County and NEMA to enforce laws governing noise and operating hours and to revoke licences and permits issued to 213 Lounge. Those substantive prayers have not yet been determined. For now, the court’s interim order specifically stops the lounge from playing music while the authorities conduct the ordered inspection and prepare their compliance report.
The case will return to court on August 13.
