The Nairobi County Government has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to all landlords to repaint their buildings or face stiff penalties.
Health County Executive Suzanne Silantoi announced that the directive precedes a citywide inspection exercise beginning Monday, targeting landlords who ignored an earlier 14-day notice issued last month.
“From Monday, our officers will begin compliance checks across the city. While many have complied, a number of property owners are still lagging behind,” said Silantoi.
The inspections will cover both commercial and residential buildings in key areas including the Central Business District (CBD), Westlands, Upper Hill, Ngara, and Kirinyaga Road, among other busy zones.
According to the county, property owners, management firms, and tenants who fail to comply risk closure, fines, or prosecution, as the directive falls under the county’s urban renewal and public health initiative.
Governor Johnson Sakaja had earlier waived repainting permit fees to encourage compliance, citing the economic challenges many landlords are facing. The move is part of his broader plan to modernize and beautify Nairobi while promoting hygiene and structural safety.
Under Section 118(b) of the Public Health Act (Cap 242), counties are mandated to ensure buildings with faded or peeling paint are maintained to prevent health hazards.
City Hall has further warned that repeat offenders will face additional fines for each day they remain non-compliant.
The repainting directive is part of an ongoing citywide cleanup campaign that has also seen the eviction of hawkers from some streets, enforcement of noise control regulations, and stricter cleanliness measures for businesses in the CBD.
The county had initially extended the deadline due to short rains in October, which disrupted painting activities, but now insists that no further extensions will be granted.
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