In a press conference on Sunday, the workers pleaded with Sakaja to intervene, saying their jobs and only source of livelihood were at risk.
“I have children at home and a family to feed. I have rent bills to pay. Why can’t this facility be opened to enable us to feed our children?” Dianah Kemunto, one of the workers posed.
“We are appealing to Governor Sakaja to intervene because we are really suffering. If I lose this job, where will I go to yet the economy is tough?”
Oyster Bay popular for its seafood was closed after numerous complaints from the residents of Kilimani over loud music played at the eatery.
“There have been numerous complaints of noise pollution from the residents of Kilimani where you are located caused by extremely loud music from your facility that interferes with their comfort, repose health and safety. This is contrary to the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA). 1999, Environmental Management and Coordination (Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution Control) Regulations, 2009,” the closure order seen by K24 Digital read in part.
“As the principal agency of government-mandated to ensure a clean and healthy environment, the Authority hereby orders you to immediately cease operations of this facility to avert further harm to members of the public until you demonstrate to the Authority that you have complied with the provisions of EMCA, 1999 and the Environmental Management and Coordination (Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution Control) Regulations, 2009,” Mamo said.
According to NEMA, the joint had flouted several regulations and ignored previous warnings.
NEMA said ground inspections had established that the facility commenced operations without following the right procedure.
“In executing its mandate under the Constitution of Kenya 2010, in line with the Fourth Schedule on Controlling Noise Pollution, NCCG has undertaken operations at your facility on various occasions following complaints received from the residents of the area.
“Enforcement actions have been taken including issuing of Improvement notices, arrests, confiscation of sound-amplifying equipment and prosecution at the City’s Court. Further, the last joint operation undertaken at your facility by a team of Gazetted Environmental Inspectors from NEMA in collaboration with NCCG, issued an Improvement Notice for all operations to cease at the facility till all remedial actions stated in the notice are complied with but this also yielded NO results and you have continued to operate unreservedly,” NEMA said.
