Have you encountered laws that seem so strange to you that they seemed unreal? Neither is it helpful to plead ignorance when these work against you, for ignorance is no defence before courts of law.
Understanding unusual laws can save you from breaching them and incurring avoidable penalties.
Additionally, being aware of these rules can help you better understand your rights and how to defend them, particularly in circumstances where they might be compromised.
Finally, being aware of these regulations can make you a more informed and involved citizen who contributes to a society that runs more smoothly.
From strict fire regulations to bans on cruel animal slaughter, here are some of the most weird laws in Kenya.
Your dogs ought to comply with the law
That cute dog in your Nairobi home or apartment could land you in trouble with the law. Why you may ask? Well, because although the city of Nairobi requires pet owners to abide by certain bylaws, the vast majority of dog owners in the city seem to live in ignorance of these critical bylaws.
Despite the happiness and companionship that owning a dog can provide, many duties are involved. Pet owners must comprehend the regulations that apply to their animals, particularly Nairobi’s dog-keeping regulations.
The Nairobi bylaws state that it is against the law and subject to a Sh2,000 punishment to keep a dog older than four months without a licence.
If a tenant wants to keep a dog as a pet in the estate, they should ask the landlord or the estate management for permission. They can then receive instructions on how to maintain the dog.
“No person shall own or keep any dog above the age of six months within Nairobi City County unless such a person has a licence for the dog issued under this Act,” the Nairobi City County Dog Control and Welfare Act read.
If it quacks or clucks, you can be penalised
In Nairobi, it is an offence to keep any animal or poultry which causes a nuisance to any resident in the neighbourhood. You are virtually committing a crime if you keep ducks, and the county has every right to penalise you for it.
Because they disturb the neighbours, breeding poultry that quack is prohibited. They may file a complaint against you with the police for making noise.
Making any kind of noise on the streets of Nairobi is an offence. The County bylaws are particularly harsh on city dwellers who can’t speak in moderate tones.
Because preaching on the streets frequently entails using amplification tools like loudspeakers or bullhorns, emitting obtrusive sounds that can be upsetting to the public, especially in residential areas, preaching on the streets might be considered noise pollution.
People nearby may experience discomfort, stress, and health issues due to the loud noise, which can also disrupt activities like sleeping, working, and communicating.
Experts argue that excessive noise can lower the quality of the air, which can have an impact on people’s physical
and mental health.
Tough fire rules
Compassion and empathy are emotions human beings can not control. Stories of people choosing to risk it all and save a life in instances of fire have made headlines worldwide. However, being a hero can see you getting fined by Nairobi County. It is an offence to enter any premises on fire without approval from the senior officer.
It is against the law to enter a burning house because doing so risks one’s life. As a result of the heat, smoke, and hazardous fumes produced by a fire, it may be challenging to rescue or evacuate individuals.
Additionally, untrained people entering a burning structure might hinder emergency responders’ efforts and endanger other lives.
Firefighters and other emergency personnel need to conduct their tasks safely and effectively. For these reasons, entering a burning structure is considered a criminal offence, and offenders may be subject to fines, imprisonment, or other legal repercussions.
If you plan to slaughter, be humane about it
It is not uncommon to see buses from upcountry ferrying animals such as chickens and goats to the city, especially after the festive season.
City dwellers raid their family farms or goat sheds and select animals they can make merry with once they return to the city.
Due to the squeezed nature of houses in the city, most people end up slaughtering animals within these animals in an unlawful manner.
It is an offence to slaughter an animal in front of another. According to the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals Act, cruel slaughtering of animals is an offence, and any person who slaughters an animal in the sight of any other animals is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding Ksh2,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding three months or to both.
The law seeks to reduce the suffering of animals by forbidding their execution in front of witnesses.
– By Mumbi Mutoko
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