Sakaja: Nairobi to remove illegal billboards as county tightens outdoor advertising rules
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has warned outdoor advertising companies that the county will remove illegal billboards as City Hall moves to tighten enforcement of advertising rules across the capital. Sakaja said Nairobi had brought together major outdoor advertising firms, including Adside and Look Media, for discussions on how to regulate the sector. The companies asked […]
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced plans to remove illegal billboards in the city as the county tightens rules governing outdoor advertising. Sakaja met with major outdoor advertising firms such as Adside and Look Media to discuss regulation. Following their request for self-regulation, the county imposed a moratorium on new billboard installations.
Some firms installed structures without proper approval, leading to enforcement action and the removal of many illegal billboards. Nairobi's outdoor advertising industry provides significant own-source revenue, accounting for 51% of the county's 2024/25 target. However, the crackdown on unlicensed structures highlights concerns about excessive billboard numbers, locations, and designs that may create traffic hazards.
The county's outdoor advertising policy prohibits billboards that obstruct traffic signals and obstruct road traffic signs. Enforcement has targeted smaller advertising structures occupying pedestrian spaces in the central business district. The county aims to extend this enforcement to other areas, creating a more predictable market for advertising companies while maintaining road safety and pedestrian access.
Sakaja also criticized the removal of trees during infrastructure works, emphasizing the need to balance commercial interests with environmental protection and road safety. The outdoor advertising industry must comply with approval requirements or face removal of illegal billboard structures.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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