Karen residents want Betty Kyallo's new restaurant shut down

With the crackdown on noisy clubs in residential areas, residents of Nairobi's suburb Karen are now calling for the closure of Betty Kyallo's restaurant - The Summer House.

The Karen Lang’ata District Association issued a statement to the Nairobi City County Government on November 25 saying the restaurant has caused noise pollution by playing loud music at night which has been a nuisance to those who live near.

Chairperson Silalteh Samora called on the county government to close the restaurant, which was opened nearly three months ago, and withdraw any approvals or licenses issued to the owner.

"We are aggrieved that The Summer House, which opened its doors to the public two months ago, did not follow the prerequisite process when seeking to develop the property as is required by the law," said the association chairperson.

The association claims there is no change of user of the property from residential to commercial by either the National Environmental Management Authority or the county government.

They also add that the residents were not involved in public participation  to give their opinion before the establishment of the entertainment joint.

In October, Lang’ata Forest Edge Residents Association (Lafera) lodged a complaint saying the restaurant does not match the aesthetic value ideal for the area as per the zoning policy.

"Please note that at the expiry of seven (7) days’ notice upon receipt of this letter without any action being taken against the said establishment, our client’s irrevocable instructions are to file the petition under a certificate of urgency before the Environment and Land Court seeking the appropriate orders compelling you to carry out your statutory functions," read the letter.