Walls and electric poles in Nairobi are cheap place for advertising by witchdoctors, concert organisers and other traders. This is about to change.
A Nairobi MCA is seeking to compel City Hall to operationalise a 2018 law aimed at regulating outdoor advertising and putting an end to the proliferation of illegal posters on electricity poles, public walls and buildings across the capital.
John Rex Omolleh on Wednesday tabled a motion urging the county government to implement the Nairobi City County Outdoor Advertising and Signage Control and Regulation Act, 2018, which was passed by the assembly but has never been operationalised.
The motion also calls for the immediate development of accompanying regulations to enforce the law.
“Concerned that there are several adverts and posters erected in various public places such as electricity poles, streetlight poles, public walls and buildings, which has not only affected the aesthetics of the city but have not complied with the Nairobi City County Outdoor Advertising and Signage Control and Regulation Act, 2018,” Omolleh said while moving the motion before the assembly.
Under the 2010 Constitution, counties have the responsibility to regulate outdoor advertising, control public nuisances, and maintain urban aesthetics. However, according to Omolleh, City Hall has failed to act on its own legislation.
“Further concerned that the county assembly passed the Nairobi City County Outdoor Advertising and Signage Control and Regulation Act, 2018 which has not been published, publicised and operationalised to date,” the motion states.
If adopted, the motion would compel the county attorney to publish the Act within 14 days and direct the county executive committee member in charge of Urban Planning to develop clear regulations to ban illegal advertising in public spaces.
Specifically, the motion seeks to outlaw the placement of adverts on infrastructure such as electricity poles, streetlight posts and public buildings.
The Act was intended to introduce order and oversight in Nairobi’s chaotic advertising landscape, ensuring that only licensed, approved adverts are displayed. However, the absence of supporting regulations has rendered the law dormant for the past seven years.
“Section 7(1) of the Nairobi City County Office of the County Attorney Act, 2017 provides that the County Attorney shall publish all legislation passed by the county assembly,” the motion notes, underscoring the legal obligation that has been neglected.
The assembly’s action follows public complaints over visual pollution caused by unsanctioned posters and banners advertising everything from job offers to political campaigns.
The lack of regulation has led to widespread defacement of public infrastructure and buildings, drawing criticism from residents and urban planners alike.
If enacted, the new regulations would enable city enforcement officers to fine or prosecute those who continue to flout outdoor advertising rules. The proposed measures also aim to restore Nairobi’s visual appeal, aligning with the county’s ongoing urban renewal efforts.
The move is expected to face resistance from informal advertisers and political campaigners who rely on cheap and accessible platforms to reach the public. However, proponents argue that a clean and orderly environment is key to the city’s image and economic growth.
“Adverts should be placed in designated, regulated spaces, not slapped onto every pole or wall,” said Omolleh, warning that the city’s lax enforcement has emboldened repeat offenders.
With the assembly set to vote on the motion in the coming days, all eyes are now on City Hall to see whether it will finally breathe life into a long-dormant law meant to clean up Nairobi’s public spaces.
Instant Analysis
If implemented, the 2018 law could mark a turning point in curbing Nairobi’s visual pollution and restoring urban order. But success will hinge on political will and sustained enforcement.
