Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has issued a 14-day ultimatum to landlords in the capital to repaint their buildings or face legal action. The directive, which took effect on October 7, is part of the county’s renewed push to clean up and modernise the city.
The order, issued by Acting County Secretary Godfrey Akumali, targets property owners, tenants, and management agents in the Central Business District (CBD), Westlands, Upper Hill, Ngara, Kirinyaga Road, and all designated shopping centres. The Sakaja administration emphasized that failure to comply would result in closure orders and prosecution under Sections 115, 118, and 126 of the Public Health Act.
“This notice takes effect immediately and remains valid for fourteen days only. Failure to comply will result in statutory closure orders and prosecution,” the notice read in part.
In a move aimed at easing compliance, the county government has waived the ordinary fees for repainting permits during this period. The waiver is expected to encourage building owners to act swiftly without worrying about extra costs.
The repainting directive is part of a wider beautification and public health initiative aimed at improving the city’s appearance and ensuring buildings meet hygiene and safety standards.
This latest directive follows a similar one issued in January 2024, where landlords were given 90 days to repaint their properties and install security lighting. At the time, County Chief Officer for Public Planning, Patrick Analo, identified affected areas including Westlands Shopping Centre, Upper Hill, Ngara, Uhuru Highway, Haile Selassie Avenue, University Way, and Kirinyaga Road.
Under Section 118(b) of the Public Health Act, county governments are mandated to ensure that deteriorating buildings do not pose health risks to the public.
Sakaja’s administration has also been enforcing other measures to maintain order and cleanliness, including relocating hawkers from key CBD streets and directing business owners to manage noise levels and maintain clean premises.
