Space Lounge in Kilimani announces closure, sends all staff home

Space Lounge, one of Kilimani’s most popular entertainment spots, has announced it is ending operations beginning November 1.

In an October 31 memo to all employees, the nightspot’s management said it has resorted to close shop after the Environment and Land Court last Monday, October 28, directed the Nairobi County Government and NEMA to revoke its operating permit and liquor license.

“Your salaries from the company will be paid by the first week of November,” said Space Lounge in a letter to all its staff members.

“We have spent a lot of time together and made so many memories, but now it is time to say goodbye to each other, which is definitely not easy as goodbyes are the hardest,” said the bar’s management.

K24 Digital reached Space Lounge’s communications representative for comment in regard to the number of employees affected by the closure, but she declined to disclose that information, saying: “I am not in a position to share those details.”

In her ruling last Monday, Justice Loise Komingai directed the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and City Hall to immediately revoke operating licenses issued to Space Lounge, Kiza Restaurants, Explorers Tavern and B Concept.

“The clubs were in contravention of the EMCA (Noise and excessive vibration pollution) control regulations 2009,” the judge said.

The decision was arrived at after Kilimani residents, through Kilimani Project Foundation, a lobby group, moved to court seeking to have the four nightclubs barred from operating, claiming they had breached their rights to clean and healthy environment.

The complainants accused the entertainment joints of playing loud music at night, hosting rowdy revellers who were a security threat, and subjecting their children to bad morals, given the minors would imitate what the “raunchy” party-goers were doing.

Space Lounge, which has been in operation for more than four years, joins a long list of companies that have shut down, or laid off their staff members due to tough economic times.

Other firms that downsized their staff population or even closed shop completely include: SportPesa, Betin, Finlays flower firm, among others.