Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has directed all building owners within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) to repaint their premises within 90 days.
Speaking on Sunday, January 19, the governor stated that the order aims to enhance the city’s appearance.
“To everyone who has a building in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), we are issuing a circular tomorrow directing that all those buildings must be repainted in 90 days,” Sakaja announced. “In 90 days, we must have a fresh coat of paint, while the rest of us will work on restoring roads within Nairobi.”
The governor did not specify whether the buildings must be painted a uniform color but promised that further details would be outlined in a circular to be released soon.
The directive mirrors a similar initiative undertaken in Mombasa County in 2018, where landlords were instructed to paint buildings orange with blue strips around windows and doors. The initiative, aimed at boosting tourism, exempted historical sites and government buildings such as Fort Jesus and police stations.
Mombasa officials launched the campaign in Old Town, known for its historic architecture, before expanding to other areas, positioning the coastal city as a more visually appealing destination.
This repainting order follows recent inspections conducted by the Nairobi County government. On Tuesday, January 13, Nairobi County Chief Environment Officer Geoffrey Mosiria revealed that numerous buildings within the city lacked proper waste disposal mechanisms, leading to significant environmental and public health concerns.
“All landlords and businesses must immediately comply with solid waste management regulations,” Mosiria stated.
Additionally, the county issued a notice to matatu owners due to disruptions caused during city cleaning efforts. Mosiria noted that matatu stages remain occupied at night, hindering cleaning activities, while poorly maintained vehicles contribute to environmental degradation.
The repainting directive, combined with waste management enforcement, highlights Governor Sakaja’s broader efforts to transform Nairobi into a cleaner, more appealing city.
