Kasarani Church Ordered to Reduce Bass Levels or Face Legal Action

Kenyan authorities are confronting a surge of public complaints regarding noise pollution and the proliferation of unregistered religious organisations, particularly in Nairobi and the Nyanza region. 

The recent case of the Full Gospel Church in Clay City, Kasarani, alongside a crackdown on unregistered churches in Nyanza, highlights the challenges of balancing religious freedoms with public welfare and legal compliance. The immediate issue at hand is the Full Gospel Church in Clay City, Kasarani, Nairobi, which has faced repeated accusations of excessive noise pollution. Residents have reported the church to Nairobi County officials, citing disruptions to their daily lives. 

Geoffrey Mosiria, the Nairobi County Chief Environment Officer, has confirmed that a formal notice was served to the church on March 21, 2025, mandating measures to reduce noise levels, including reducing bass speakers and soundproofing the building. According to the notice, the church’s failure to comply would result in enforcement actions, potentially leading to arrests and prosecution under environmental laws. 

Despite the directive, the church has yet to fully adhere to the measures, prompting residents to escalate their concerns to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). The church's proximity to residential areas exacerbates the problem, increasing tension and demonstrating the need for robust enforcement mechanisms. This situation is part of a broader initiative launched in October 2024 by Nairobi County to establish agreed-upon times for churches to limit loudspeaker use, encouraging residents to report violations. 

Concurrently, authorities have initiated a crackdown on unregistered churches in the Nyanza region, driven by concerns over false religious teachings and practices. Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworia announced the initiative during a press briefing in Migori on April 29, 2025. The crackdown encompasses Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, and Nyamira counties, aiming to address radicalisation and ensure legal adherence among religious institutions.

Mworia emphasises the need for public collaboration with security agencies to identify unauthorised churches and counteract radicalisation. She also warns against government officers colluding with unlicensed institutions, promising accountability for encouraging illegal practices. Her statements underscore the importance of maintaining integrity within public offices to uphold the law and safeguard communities.

The urgency of this initiative was highlighted by a distressing incident in Migori’s St. Joseph’s Missions of Messiah church on April 20, 2025. Authorities discovered two deceased bodies on the church premises, along with 57 frail individuals aged between 5 and 77. Police reports indicated signs of trauma on the bodies, while the rescued individuals showed severe neglect. Resistance from the group to medical examinations complicated the intervention.

The operation followed a tip-off from the Kanyadiedo sub-location Assistant Chief, who reported suspicious activities at the church. Medical officers provided initial care for those rescued, but disruptions led to their relocation to a police station pending further directives. Mworia’s crackdown seeks to protect public welfare and ensure religious institutions meet standards of accountability and legality.