Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has unveiled an ambitious plan to rejuvenate the city’s Central Business District (CBD), focusing on cleanliness, aesthetics, and order. As part of this transformation, landlords within the CBD will soon be required to repaint their buildings and install security lighting. This directive, which will be officially issued within the week, grants landlords a 90-day compliance window.
Speaking during a Sunday service at Christ in Africa Church, Sakaja emphasized the importance of upgrading infrastructure and maintaining the city’s appeal. “Cleanliness and order are non-negotiable,” he said, adding that non-compliance will attract legal action.
The facelift initiative is part of a broader effort to restore order in Nairobi. This includes cracking down on illegal advertisements cluttering walkways and corridors. “These hanging ads violate city bylaws and must be removed. Reinstallation will also be treated as an offense,” Sakaja declared.
The push for order also involves relocating hawkers from main streets to designated areas. This is coupled with ongoing infrastructure upgrades, such as recarpeting roads within the CBD and residential areas like Kilimani and Kileleshwa. Sakaja reassured residents that these improvements are progressing steadily, promising visible results in the coming months.
Another crucial element of the transformation is enforcing waste management standards. Through the County Environment Office, businesses have been directed to install waste bins and ensure regular servicing. Proper waste disposal must be conducted through authorized providers, with environmental officers conducting surprise inspections to ensure compliance.
Businesses that fail to adhere to these regulations risk legal consequences under existing laws. County Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria underscored the importance of the “Green Nairobi” initiative, which aims to instill sustainable environmental practices across the city.
“This is a call to action for all businesses and landlords to safeguard and enhance Nairobi’s environment. Let us work together to maintain a clean and healthy city,” Mosiria said.
Governor Sakaja’s transformation agenda signals a decisive move towards a more organized, clean, and aesthetically appealing Nairobi. With the clock ticking on the 90-day deadline, cooperation from landlords, businesses, and residents will be crucial to achieving this vision for Kenya’s capital.
