Throw that noisy party at your peril

• Nema says its inspectors will patrol estates and social places

Planning to throw a party this Christmas without a licence? We will arrest you!

This was the message National Environment Management Agency issued on Monday to anyone hosting a function that will contravene the new noise regulations.

According to Nema director of Compliance and Enforcement Benjamin Langwen, inspectors would patrol social places and estates to ensure that the rules are upheld.

“We are moving around randomly countrywide to ensure peace prevails,” Mr Langwen told the Nation by telephone.

The 2009 Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution (Control) Regulations, are in place to ensure that no one makes any loud and unreasonable noise that disturbs or endangers the comfort and safety of others and the environment.

According to the new regulations, hawkers, peddlers, touts and street preachers are prohibited from conducting business in “silent zones” — designated areas that include health, education, research and judicial institutions.

However, the Matatu Drivers and Conductors Association termed the rules as unfair as they affected their operations, more so during this festive season which they consider their peak time.

So far, one conductor has been charged for breaking the new law.

Offenders risk a fine of not more than Sh350,000 or 18 months jail term, or both.

He urged Kenyans planning to exceed the 60-85 decibels to obtain licences from the nearest Nema offices in their areas.

The licences cost Sh2,200, with Sh200 serving as application fee. “However, the licences should be used within seven days and the noise permitted until midnight,” he warned.

Environment minister John Michuki says the law should be followed to the letter.

Mr Langwen urged the public to report any cases of noisy neighbours to the nearest police station to restore sanity in their areas.

At the same time, permits for fireworks, demolitions, firing ranges and specific heavy-duty industry are issued for a maximum period of three months at a fee of Sh5,000 and Sh500 for application.

The law stipulates the maximum permissible noise levels for construction sites, mines and quarries, among other areas known to be producers of noise.