Nairobi City County Assembly Health Committee chairperson, Maurice Ochieng, has called on the county government to swiftly enforce regulations requiring all buildings in Nairobi to be repainted, starting with those in the Central Business District (CBD). Ochieng emphasized that many buildings in the CBD are in a poor state of repair, with dirty, peeling exteriors, violating Section 118b of the Public Health Act Cap 242, which addresses public health nuisances.
The call comes after increasing public concerns over the state of buildings in the city, particularly within the CBD, which is a major commercial hub. According to Ochieng, the unsightly conditions of these buildings are detrimental to the city’s image and present a public health risk, as they fall short of the required cleanliness and presentation standards. He urged the Nairobi County Government, led by Governor Johnson Sakaja, to take immediate action to rectify the situation.
“The law on public nuisances is clear, and compliance is not optional. We urge the building owners to act swiftly in addressing the condition of their properties,” Ochieng stated. His remarks highlight the importance of maintaining the visual and environmental cleanliness of the city, particularly in areas frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Ochieng also applauded Governor Sakaja’s administration for its efforts to restore order in the Nairobi CBD, especially with regard to cleanliness. The Health Committee chairperson noted that the streets have seen a marked improvement, with greater orderliness and cleanliness, a direct result of the Governor’s ongoing initiatives. He reassured the public that the county’s legislative body would continue to support these efforts, with potential revisions to existing laws to reinforce the push for a cleaner city.
In addition to the building repainting initiative, the Nairobi County Government has also taken steps to address the issue of hawkers obstructing the streets. Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria Omatoke warned that the county administration would no longer tolerate hawkers leaving their goods behind at night, obstructing cleaning activities and contributing to the disorder in the streets. “Hawkers leaving their wares on the streets is not acceptable. These items will be confiscated, and the streets will be cleared for proper cleaning,” Omatoke remarked.
As Nairobi continues to grow, these concerted efforts by the county government and lawmakers aim to improve public health and enhance the city’s appearance, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and attractive place for residents and visitors.
