City Hall approves removal of illegal signage in Nairobi CBD
Sakaja emphasised the importance of adhering to city laws to ensure the city remains orderly and attractive.
City Hall has approved the removal of unauthorised signage within the Central Business District (CBD).
Speaking during a cabinet session on Tuesday, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja declared that overhanging signs along corridors are illegal and urged business owners to comply with city regulations.
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Sakaja emphasised the importance of adhering to city laws to ensure the city remains orderly and attractive.
“The crackdown on illegal signage is underway, and we will ensure compliance,” he said, urging all business owners to take action immediately.
The approval by the Cabinet comes even as the Retail Trade Association of Kenya (RETRAK) condemned the removal of shop signage in CBD, accusing the Nairobi County Government of disregarding the interests of businesses and the communities they serve.
In a statement, RETRAK faulted City Hall for what it termed as an unexpected and unilateral enforcement action that left many business owners shocked and frustrated. The organisation claimed that the county government vandalised signage, many of which had valid licenses recently renewed for the year 2025.
RETRAK argued that the removal of the signage hampers businesses’ ability to operate effectively while also diminishing their visibility to customers.
“The lack of prior communication, warnings, or opportunities for businesses to address any alleged non-compliance is deeply concerning,” the statement read in part.
The association also highlighted that retailers, as major contributors to Nairobi’s economy, deserve a predictable and supportive operating environment.
“Abrupt measures such as this create unnecessary uncertainty, undermine confidence, and risk significant financial losses for affected businesses,” it added.
RETRAK called on the county government to engage with business owners before taking such actions in the future.
The organisation further urged City Hall to outline the specific reasons for the removal, improve communication with affected businesses, and consider providing compensation for financial losses incurred. RETRAK also noted that signage licenses paid for in good faith should be refunded if their removal was unwarranted.
Meanwhile, the county also announced that landlords have been given 90 days to repaint their buildings and install security lights as mandated by the city’s regulations.
“Landlords have been given 90 days to repaint their buildings and install security lights as required. A crackdown will be conducted on those who fail to comply,” Sakaja warned.
Sakaja also reaffirmed the county’s ongoing efforts to maintain a cleaner city, with over 3,500 Green Army workers actively involved in street cleaning across Nairobi.
“We are tirelessly working to clean the streets in the CBD. Litter, garbage, and debris will be cleared to ensure a clean and habitable city,” Sakaja added.
With these resolutions approved, the county government is now set to implement measures aimed at transforming Nairobi into a safer, more organised urban center.
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