PERAK claims over 23,000 jobs are at stake after Sakajas ban on clubs

Muthami, who spoke to Citizen Digital, estimates that 400-500 establishments will be affected, with thirty to seventy permanent employees per establishment losing their jobs.

The closure, according to PERAK’s estimation, would therefore lead to the loss of between 12,000 to 35,000 permanent jobs. 

He asserts that the figures do not even take into account the substantial number of casual workers, other industries that depend on the entertainment industry and are currently in danger of losing their jobs, and so forth.

“There is no difference between this order and the night curfew, as a matter of fact this should be called Sakaja’s curfew,” Muthami told Citizen Digital.   

“This will affect so many people including permanent and casual laborers who will lose their jobs, it will also affect watu wa smokie, supermarkets, Mutura people, and even commercial sex workers,” he added

Muthami said the order came as a surprise because all stakeholders, including the Bar Owners Association and the Residents' Association, were in talks with Nairobi Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri about resolving the issue.

“Is it that Sakaja doesn’t trust his deputy? Muthami posed “ Where did this directive come from?"

According to Muthami, the new directive is also a slap in the face to Nairobi's 24-hour economy, which is fueled largely by the entertainment industry.

“This is goodbye to the 24-hour economy,” Muthami added “But is he going to stop the keshas which go past 3am? We would want to know, is the Nairobi Festival which is coming up, going to follow the same rules?”  Muthami posed 

Meanwhile, the Nairobi County Government has issued a noise pollution warning to 43 bars and restaurants.

This follows Governor Sakaja's cancellation of licenses for nightclubs operating in residential areas of the capital, stating that his administration will no longer issue or renew licenses for such establishments.

On Monday, President William Ruto backed the governor's move and pledged that his government will support the operation.

"I want to tell my young brother Sakaja of Nairobi, please keep the noise away from our children. You have our support," Ruto said during an opening ceremony for a Twiga Foods distribution facility at Tatu City in Ruiru, Kiambu County.