Nairobi introduces new noise permit charges
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People planning events and other activities that may produce noise in Nairobi will now have to pay new permit fees under the Nairobi City County Finance Act, 2026.
The new charges apply to several activities, including weddings, roadshows, construction work, religious activities, clubs and short-term night events.
Short-term night events will attract a fee of Ksh100,000. Clubs will also be required to pay annual fees based on their capacity, with charges ranging from Ksh20,000 to Ksh100,000.
The cost of a noise permit for weddings will depend on the venue. Weddings held in residential areas will attract a Ksh20,000 fee, while those held in gardens will cost Ksh10,000 per event.
Roadshows will be charged depending on the vehicle being used. A saloon car will attract Ksh10,000, a minivan Ksh30,000, while a 24-wheel truck or canter will attract Ksh50,000.
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 obtain an annual Noise Emission Control Permit at a cost of Ksh5,000.
The new fees come as noise pollution continues to attract attention in Nairobi. The issue has also been taken to court, with Advocate Samwel Barongo Nyamari filing a petition seeking regulation of loud music in public service vehicles.
The case names the Matatu Owners Association, NTSA, NEMA and the Attorney General as respondents. The High Court has directed that the petition will be heard next year.
The case will seek to address whether matatu operators can play amplified music without the consent of passengers.
Under the new rules, failure to comply with some noise permit requirements can result in penalties of up to three times the applicable licence fee.
The different charges mean event organisers, religious institutions, businesses and roadshow operators will have to consider noise permit costs when planning their activities. Questions may also arise where an activity falls under more than one category, such as a wedding involving amplified music held at night in a residential area.
Reporting originally appeared via KBC Digital. Read the full source for additional context.