Nairobi County Gives Landlords Two-Day Ultimatum to Repaint Buildings or Face Penalties
Nairobi landlords have been given just two days to comply with a county government directive requiring all buildings to be repainted, or face strict penalties. The announcement from City Hall comes ahead of a major inspection drive set to begin on Monday, targeting property owners who failed to act within the earlier 14-day notice issued in October. According to Health County Executive Suzanne Silantoi, the exercise is part of an ongoing urban renewal and public health campaign aimed at improving Nairobi’s appearance and ensuring safe living conditions for residents.
Silantoi stated that county officers would conduct door-to-door inspections across major zones, including the Central Business District (CBD), Westlands, Upper Hill, Ngara, and Kirinyaga Road. From Monday, our officers will commence compliance checks on all buildings, both those that have been repainted and those that have not. We issued a 14-day ultimatum, and while many have responded positively, a number are still lagging, she said. The county has warned that property owners, management companies, and tenants who fail to comply could face building closures, prosecution, or suspension of occupancy permits. Governor Johnson Sakaja had earlier waived repainting permit fees to encourage compliance, acknowledging the economic challenges faced by business owners and landlords.
The order, backed by Section 118(b) of the Public Health Act (Cap 242), empowers devolved governments to ensure that buildings are properly maintained and do not pose health or safety risks. City Hall has also cautioned that repeat offenders may face daily fines or surcharges for continued non-compliance. The directive forms part of a broader citywide cleanup campaign that has included measures against unregulated hawking, noise pollution, and unhygienic business premises. While many landlords cited short rains as a reason for delays, the county insists that the grace period has now ended and that all property owners must act immediately. The initiative underscores Nairobi’s renewed drive to restore its image as a clean, orderly, and modern capital.