Parties to get noise licences before campaigning

By Digital Reporter

NAIROBI,KENYA: Political parties will have to obtain licences from The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) before holding campaigns to curb noise pollution.

 Nema on Friday said no meetings will be authorised by police, Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission or other government agency unless the organisers produce licences from Nema.

The one-off license cost Sh2,200 and valid for seven days.

“Organisers wishing to hold meetings, rallies, road shows, promotions and celebrations for political engagements, will be required to apply for a license from NEMA’s respective County offices where the meeting or event will take place,” Nema Director General Prof Geoffrey Wahungu said in a statement.

He said while the rallies are important part of the electioneering process, the right to a clean and healthy environment for every citizen as provided for in the Kenyan Constitution must be upheld.

“The Authority, however, would want to clarify that acquisition of a noise license does not give the licensee the right to violate noise regulations by making excessive noise or vibrations beyond the permitted decibel levels during campaigns,” said the Director General.

Most politicians have hit the campaign trail after IEBC cleared them to contest.