The Nairobi County government has given property owners, tenants and building managers two weeks to repaint and clean up their premises or risk heavy penalties, including closure and legal action.
In a directive signed by Acting County Secretary Godfrey Akumali on Monday, the county said the order applies to all buildings in the central business district, Westlands, Upper Hill, Ngara, Kirinyaga Road and designated shopping centres.
The directive requires the affected buildings to be repainted and general sanitation improved in line with public health and housing regulations.
Akumali explained that the move is intended to restore the city’s appearance and protect public health. “The orders are aimed at restoring the city’s aesthetic appeal while safeguarding public health,” he said.
As part of the initiative, Governor Johnson Sakaja has waived the normal repainting permit fees for the current period to encourage compliance.
Kilimani Ward Representative Moses Ogeto, in a motion supporting the directive, said Nairobi plays a unique role as both the country’s capital and host to various international organisations, making its appearance critical.
“Nairobi County is the entry point into the country by international guests; ... the aesthetic characteristics of the city give the first impression about its general organisation and national character,” part of the motion reads.
This is not the first time such an order has been issued. The now-defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services had previously directed property owners to repaint their buildings under a city beautification programme.
However, that plan stalled before the agency’s term ended in 2022. Attention has now shifted to Sakaja’s administration to see whether this latest push to clean up the city will succeed where previous efforts failed.