Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has reignited efforts to spruce up Kenya’s capital, ordering property owners to repaint their buildings and repair security lights in specific areas within 90 days. This initiative marks the third attempt to enhance Nairobi’s aesthetic appeal following unsuccessful beautification drives by former governors Evans Kidero and Mike Sonko.
The directive, signed by urban development and planning chief officer Patrick Analo, applies to buildings in key areas such as Westlands, the Central Business District (CBD), Upper Hill, Ngara, and streets like Uhuru Highway, Haile Selassie Avenue, Kirinyaga Road, and University Way. Anchored on the Physical and Land Planning Act, Urban Areas and Cities (Amendment) Act, and the Public Health Act, the order aims to make Nairobi more attractive and align it with global metropolitan standards.
This initiative is not without precedent. Former Governor Kidero’s beautification project, which included flower beds and a 50-member “green army” tasked with protecting the greenery, was met with controversy and financial scrutiny. Offenders caught stepping on the grass faced fines, but the initiative failed to achieve lasting impact.
Sonko’s tenure brought a more flamboyant approach, including lion sculptures and billboards bearing government officials’ images. While Sonko claimed personal funding, audits revealed Sh18.75 million was allocated to beautification in 2017-18, with only Sh661,500 directly spent on the initiative. The rest was diverted to subsistence allowances and unrelated expenses.
Unlike his predecessors, Sakaja is shifting responsibility to property owners, requiring them to bear the costs of repainting and installing or repairing security lights. Speaking during a church service at the Church of Christ Africa in Buruburu, Sakaja emphasized the importance of restoring Nairobi’s skyline to reflect its status as a regional commercial hub.
“This is not just about cleaning the city; it’s about restoring Nairobi’s pride as a clean, green, and vibrant metropolis,” Sakaja said.
The success of this initiative will depend on property owners’ compliance and the county’s enforcement of the directive. Past efforts faltered due to poor execution, mismanagement of funds, and lack of sustained commitment.
Sakaja’s strategy to involve property owners could lead to a more sustainable outcome. However, questions remain about affordability, especially for small business owners, and the county’s ability to maintain accountability in enforcement.
As the 90-day deadline approaches, Nairobians will watch closely to see if Sakaja’s vision can finally transform the city’s appearance and succeed where others fell short.
