Noise pollution is considered any unwanted sound that negatively affects people and animals. However, what is often overlooked is the associated health effects of noise pollution.
There is a grey area between what is noise and what isn’t.
For example, loud music can be pleasurable sometimes, but if it’s a newly opened church or club in your vicinity playing music at 2 am on a Friday, it’s unpleasant.
As Kenya develops, we see increased noise levels due to improved transport networks and new construction projects. Nairobi, the capital city, is the most affected by pollution.
A 2015 study by Enock Abe Wawa and Galcano Canny Mulaku from the Department of Geospatial and Space Technology at the University of Nairobi concluded that the average noise levels in Nairobi CBD range from 61dB(A) to 78dB(A).
According to the World Health Organization, these noise levels are higher than the average in many European cities and higher than the recommended average of 40dB(A).
This article discusses sources of noise pollution in Kenya and the associated health impacts.
Sources of Noise Pollution in Kenya
Some of the most common sources of noise pollution in Kenya include:
- Road Traffic – Public transport like cars, minibusses (matatus), trucks, motorbikes, and tuk-tuks significantly contribute to noise pollution in Kenya, especially if you live close to a busy road in the major cities.
- Churches in Residential Areas – Churches in residential areas are common in Kenya, especially among low-income households. They are notorious contributors to noise pollution.
Many of these churches have night masses several times per week, making them a nuisance to people who have to be close to them.
- Churches in Residential Areas – Churches in residential areas are common in Kenya, especially among low-income households. They are notorious contributors to noise pollution.
Many of these churches have night masses several times per week, making them a nuisance to people who have to be close to them.
- Industrial Noise – Industrialization also contributes to noise pollution in Kenya, but due to zone restrictions, Kenyan households are unlikely to be affected by industrial noise.
- Construction noise – As a developing country, Kenya has many construction and development projects, sometimes leading to high noise pollution levels.
- Entertainment Joints – Nightclubs and bars often play loud music which is ideal for the revelers, but without measures to soundproof the establishments, it leads to noise disturbances.
Effects of Noise Pollution on Health
Exposure to high levels of noise has many effects, including;
1. Poor Sleep Quality
Sleep disturbances are the most common effect of noise on human health.
Lack of sleep further affects overall health, with people in noisy places reporting difficulty falling and staying asleep and fatigue.
Sleep is essential for growth; therefore, children exposed to unhealthy noise may experience challenges in their development.
2. Stress and Anxiety
Noisy surroundings affect people in several ways, including by causing anxiety and stress.
Living in noisy areas increases your likelihood of suffering from stress and being more anxious than people in quieter areas.
3. Irritability
Fatigue induced by poor sleep quality makes us more irritable.
Both adults and minors are susceptible, with the kids showing behavioral issues, for example, when interacting with their peers.
4. Cognitive Impairment
Exposure to noisy surroundings can also impair cognitive functions such as memory and attention.
In addition, studies have found that exposure to noise pollution can have a negative impact on children’s learning and development.
Adults report poorer concentration and performance with work-related tasks.
5. Noise-Induced Hearing loss
Prolonged exposure to noise pollution can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss.
This is a rare occurrence as the people at the highest risk of it are those working in industrial areas or places with constant noise, like the “jua kali” workshops.
6. Cardiovascular Diseases
Exposure to noise pollution can increase blood pressure and fast heart rates.
Noisy environments can also trigger the release of high-stress hormones like cortisol and norepinephrine, further affecting the cardiovascular system.
In extreme cases, noise pollution can result in heart attacks and strokes.
7. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
A constant adrenaline and cortisol release during elevated stress may result in high blood pressure for some people impacted by the noise.
8. Depression
Long-term exposure to high levels of noise pollution may also increase the risk of depression.
Having to cope with noisy surroundings can be draining and impact an individual’s mental health.
Noise Pollution Regulations In Kenya
The constitution of Kenya, under article 42, grants everyone a right to a clean environment free from pollution.
Additionally, the body NEMA (National Environmental Management Authority) handles complaints and protects the environment from all forms of pollution.
It’s important to note that nighttime constructions or demolitions are prohibited, and the forms of noise allowed are from emergencies like fire rescue, ambulance response, and police sirens. There is also an exception for public holidays and celebrations.
When experiencing noise pollution in your neighborhood, you can file a noise complaint with NEMA or your county government or file a lawsuit against the polluters through a lawyer.
Read more on our guide on how noise complaints work in Kenya.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Most Common Sources Of Noise Pollution In Kenya?
Traffic noise like matatus (minibusses), boda boda (motorbikes), and tuk-tuks (rickshaws). Clubs, churches, mines, and construction sites also contribute to noise pollution in Kenya.
How Does Noise Pollution Affect Our Health?
Noise pollution leads to adverse health effects like stress, anxiety, hypertension, hearing loss, and cognitive impairment.
What Laws And Regulations Govern Noise Pollution In Kenya?
The Environmental Management and Coordination (Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution)(Control) Regulations of 2009 govern noise pollution in Kenya with enforcement from the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA).
How Does Noise Pollution Impact The Economy In Kenya?
Most of the economic impact of noise pollution in Kenya affects property prices and price speculation of different work and living areas. Noisier neighborhoods are often associated with low-income and cheaper housing.
In comparison, properties in quieter neighborhoods appreciate value better and fetch higher prices.
What Are Some Effective Noise Reduction Strategies?
It’s essential to be considerate of our neighbors and keep our noise levels down. If you must play loud music, consider soundproofing your home. For construction projects, seeking permits from NEMA and operating within legal working hours is crucial. If you can’t bear the pollution around you, consider taking legal action by contacting our law firm today.
Conclusion
Exposure to noise pollution is a serious problem that affects many people in Kenya.
Plenty of regulations set in place by the Kenyan Government, such as the Environmental Management and Coordination Act of 2009, seek to protect the environment for everyone. However, there is still a risk of being exposed to unwanted noise.
Many people dont think noise pollution is a big deal. Still, it can seriously impact human health, causing hearing loss, high blood pressure, anxiety, and irregular sleep patterns.
Overall, noise pollution is a significant health concern that can have far-reaching effects on individuals and communities.
It’s essential to reduce exposure to noise pollution and file noise complaints when necessary to keep you and your community safe.
