Nairobi residents planning weddings, church events, roadshows and other gatherings may now have to pay new noise permit fees under the Nairobi City County Finance Act, 2026.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The new charges include fees of up to Ksh100,000 for short-term night events, while weddings, roadshows and construction activities will attract separate permit fees depending on the type of activity.

Weddings held in residential areas will attract a Ksh20,000 noise permit, while those held in gardens will cost Ksh10,000 per event. Roadshows will also face charges ranging from Ksh10,000 for a saloon car to Ksh30,000 for a minivan and Ksh50,000 for a 24-wheel truck or canter.

The county has also introduced a Ksh20,000 permit for construction activities involving excavation, demolition, drilling and other specified noisy works. Churches and mosques will be required to pay an annual Noise Emission Control Permit of Ksh5,000.

📌 What You Need to Know

The new rules come amid growing scrutiny of noise pollution in Nairobi, with the National Environment Management Authority stepping up action against entertainment joints accused of causing excessive noise.

NEMA officers recently inspected an entertainment joint in Lavington following complaints from members of the public, highlighting the increasing attention being placed on businesses and establishments generating excessive noise.

The issue has also reached the courts, where Advocate Samwel Barongo Nyamari has filed a petition seeking regulation of loud music in public service vehicles. The case targets the Matatu Owners Association, NTSA, NEMA and the Attorney General.

The High Court has directed that the petition will be heard next year, setting the stage for a determination on whether matatu operators can play amplified music without the consent of passengers.

Beyond entertainment joints and public transport, the Nairobi Finance Act introduces a wider framework that puts a price on several activities involving noise. Clubs, for instance, will pay annual fees based on their capacity, ranging from Ksh20,000 to Ksh100,000.

The county has also set a Ksh100,000 fee for short-term night events, while non-compliance with some noise permit requirements can attract penalties of up to three times the applicable licence fee.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke