Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has intensified efforts to remove illegal billboards across the city, targeting a total of 100 structures in a new crackdown. The Urban Development and Planning Department is spearheading the operation.
On Saturday, November 16, county authorities dismantled billboards along key areas including Langata Road, Mombasa Road, and the Nyayo Stadium Roundabout. This brought the total number of removed billboards to 20, with more expected in the coming weeks.
The department’s Chief Officer, Patrick Analo Akivaga, warned that any company found erecting or maintaining unlawful advertising structures risks fines of up to Ksh2 million.
“We have so far removed 20 unlawful billboards, and our target is about 100 across the city,” Analo stated. “Companies found flouting the law will face significant penalties.”
Analo noted that some advertising companies have already faced consequences for not paying dues or failing to obtain proper licenses. He urged other firms to take this crackdown seriously and comply with legal requirements to avoid similar action.
The areas most affected by illegal billboards, according to county officials, include James Gichuru, Mombasa Road, Lang’ata Road, and several major roundabouts.
“This operation is a clear signal that compliance is not optional. Any company that has not met the legal requirements should act immediately or face similar consequences,” Analo emphasized.
Governor Sakaja’s administration has vowed to sustain the crackdown until all unlawful outdoor advertising structures are removed, aiming to establish a more orderly and compliant cityscape for Nairobi residents.
In recent weeks, the county has faced mounting pressure from residents, especially in affluent neighborhoods such as Kilimani, to take action against the rampant erection of illegal billboards.
“This initiative reflects Governor Sakaja’s commitment to delivering a city of order for all Nairobians,” Analo concluded, signaling a stricter regulatory approach for the city’s outdoor advertising sector.
