Kenyan Court Suspends NEMA Closure Order Against 213 Lavington Club

The management of 213 Lavington Club in Nairobi can proceed with operations after the Environment and Lands Court issued orders barring the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) from closing its premises. In an order issued by Justice Theresa Murigi, NEMA was barred from enforcing its closure action pending compliance with the court's directives, with the matter set for mention on September 3.

NEMA had earlier issued an Environmental Restoration Order dated August 19, 2026 directing the closure of the club following ongoing complaints about excessive noise pollution. According to the regulator, the establishment failed to provide several required compliance documents within a seven-day timeframe, including its certificate of incorporation, an Environmental Impact Assessment licence, a current environmental audit and proof of noise control measures.

In the restoration order addressed to the club's management, NEMA said the club had failed to avail the documents contrary to the Environmental Management and Coordination Act and that the authority had continued receiving noise complaints about the facility even after a public notice was issued.

To regain permission to operate, NEMA directed the club to shut down, perform an environmental impact assessment, obtain the necessary licensing, soundproof the facility and undergo a noise survey. The regulator warned that failure to comply attracts a jail term of not less than one year, a fine of not less than two million shillings, or both.

Justice Murigi stated that pending compliance with the order and for good order, there shall be no enforcement action pursuant to the restoration order. The club indicated it wishes to forgo the pending interlocutory application and proceed directly to the hearing and determination of the petition, with the club advised of its right to appeal the closure order before the National Environment Tribunal.