Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has taken a significant step towards restoring the city’s aesthetic appeal by waiving painting permit fees for building owners within the Central Business District (CBD). This initiative, announced on Tuesday, aims to encourage landlords to repaint their buildings within a stipulated 90-day period.
Governor Sakaja emphasized the urgency of compliance during a meeting with subcounty and ward administrators, as well as his executive team. He highlighted the broader mission of reviving Nairobi’s former glory, aligning this directive with ongoing beautification and cleanup efforts across the city.
“We have waived the painting permit fees to enable landlords to paint their buildings within the 90 days, as the notice issued yesterday stated,” Sakaja stated. The areas covered under this directive include the CBD and its boundaries marked by Uhuru Highway, Haile Selassie Avenue, University Way, and Kirinyaga Road. Other zones include the Westlands Shopping Centre, Upper Hill district, and Ngara.
According to a City Hall notice, the waiver takes immediate effect. However, the administration has warned of strict legal enforcement for non-compliance after the 90-day window. Property owners failing to repaint their buildings and install adequate security lighting within this timeframe will face legal consequences.
This directive aligns with the county government’s broader efforts to enhance Nairobi’s urban landscape. Recent cleanup initiatives led by Sakaja include the removal of illegal signage, the relocation of hawkers from key streets, and intensified waste management measures.
The Green Nairobi program, spearheaded by a team of 3,500 Green Army members, has been instrumental in the ongoing transformation of the city. These activities, combined with the mandatory repainting initiative, are expected to create a cleaner, more organized, and visually appealing urban environment.
Governor Sakaja also urged key stakeholders, including administrators, planners, environmental officers, and engineers, to actively support these initiatives. “It is each individual’s responsibility to ensure the implementation of recently enacted policies,” he stated.
The waiver is part of a strategic vision to restore Nairobi’s image as a leading urban center in Africa. While property owners have welcomed the financial reprieve, compliance within the 90-day timeline will determine the initiative’s success.
With City Hall’s commitment to enforcement, Nairobians can expect visible changes in the CBD’s appearance as the county government continues to prioritize urban renewal.
