Nairobi City County’s Chief Officer for Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, recently praised two prominent church leaders, Pastor James Ng’ang’a of Neno Evangelism Church and Bishop Margaret Wanjiru of Jesus is Alive Ministries, for ensuring their places of worship do not contribute to the city’s growing noise pollution problem. During an interview on TV47 with Dr. Ofweneke, Mosiria acknowledged that while many churches in Nairobi have been contributing to the increasing noise crisis by using loudspeakers and amplifiers, these two churches in the Central Business District (CBD) have not been subject to any noise complaints.
Mosiria pointed out that the rapid expansion of churches across Nairobi has often led to an increase in noise levels, with some places of worship prioritising loudspeaker systems over the quality of worship. He expressed his appreciation for Pastor Ng’ang’a’s church, which is located in the heart of Nairobi, noting that despite its central location, there have been no noise complaints regarding its services. In contrast, he highlighted other churches in the city that rent large buildings, often with speakers placed outside, causing disturbances in the surrounding areas. One example Mosiria mentioned was a church operating out of a structure made of 20 mabati (iron sheet) housing units, which had to be shut down due to numerous noise complaints from the residents.
Despite the complaints, Mosiria mentioned that church leaders often dismiss the concerns of local residents, sometimes even suggesting that those complaining were possessed by evil spirits. He stressed that such dismissals create more tension between churches and the communities in which they operate.
To ensure that complaints are properly addressed, Mosiria shared that he sometimes goes undercover to verify the validity of noise complaints. He described how, on occasion, he visits areas like Roysambu to assess the situation firsthand. “I put on a cap, sit with my friends, order a soda, and simply observe to confirm whether the complaints are genuine,” he explained. He acknowledged that some complaints can be malicious, with individuals making false reports in an attempt to harm businesses or disrupt the community.
Mosiria’s efforts to tackle noise pollution reflect the growing concern about the impact of urban noise on residents’ well-being. As the city continues to expand and more churches open their doors, finding a balance between religious activities and the quality of life for all citizens remains an ongoing challenge.
