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The closure of Habanos Lounge, a well-known entertainment establishment located in the Roysambu area of Nairobi, resulted from a combination of regulatory violations and repeated non-compliance with county laws. The process involved multiple enforcement operations coordinated by various government agencies.
Over a prolonged period, residents from neighborhoods surrounding the establishment—particularly Garden Estate, Ridgeways, and Roysambu—submitted numerous complaints to the Nairobi City County Government. These complaints primarily related to excessive noise generated by the lounge during late-night hours, especially on weekends.
The Nairobi County environmental regulations prohibit such disturbances in residential areas, and several clubs, including Habanos Lounge, were cited for operating without sufficient soundproofing and for disregarding designated operating hours. The continuous infringement of these regulations prompted the County Government to initiate enforcement actions.
In response to the unresolved noise complaints, the Nairobi County Government carried out an enforcement operation on 15 July 2024. The raid was led by the Environmental Monitoring Compliance and Enforcement (EMCE) Unit, in collaboration with the City Inspectorate and the Roysambu Sub-County Administration.
During the operation:
-Several individuals, including staff members, were arrested.
-Music equipment, including sound systems, was confiscated as evidence.
-The establishment was ordered to cease operations pending further investigation and legal proceedings.
The County Government confirmed that Habanos Lounge was operating in breach of county laws relating to noise levels in mixed-use and residential zones.
In addition to violating noise pollution regulations, Habanos Lounge was implicated in the illegal sale and consumption of shisha, which has been banned in Kenya since 2017 under a directive issued by the Ministry of Health.
In March 2024, officers from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) conducted a targeted raid on the premises. During the operation:
-60 shisha bongs, 126 packets of assorted shisha flavors, and related paraphernalia were seized.
-Seven individuals, including the club manager and several employees, were arrested and detained at Jogoo Road Police Station.
-The suspects were scheduled to be arraigned for violating the Tobacco Control Act and public health regulations.
This operation formed part of NACADA’s ongoing efforts to enforce the national ban and discourage the use of illegal substances in entertainment venues.
Habanos Lounge was one of over 40 entertainment venues across Nairobi targeted during a broader crackdown led by the Nairobi County Liquor Licensing Board and supported by local authorities. This crackdown was aimed at establishments found to be in continuous violation of licensing conditions, including excessive noise, unlicensed liquor sales, and endangering public health and safety.
The Nairobi County Government, under directives from the Governor's office, resolved to revoke licenses of repeat offenders and permanently close venues that failed to comply with existing regulations. Habanos Lounge was listed among these non-compliant businesses.
The closure of Habanos Lounge was the result of cumulative regulatory violations, including persistent noise pollution and illegal activities such as the sale and use of shisha. Enforcement was carried out by multiple government agencies, including:
-Nairobi County Environmental Monitoring Compliance and Enforcement Unit
-City Inspectorate
-Roysambu Sub-County Administration
-NACADA
The case serves as a precedent for the enforcement of public health and safety regulations in Nairobi, highlighting the county’s commitment to maintaining lawful and orderly conduct within the hospitality and entertainment sector.
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