Nairobi County has initiated a campaign to dismantle unauthorized billboards and outdoor advertising structures, targeting a sector that has cost the government over Sh15 million monthly in lost revenue.
The county oversees more than 200,000 signage and 1,000 large-format advertisements, generating Sh700 million annually but falling short of the potential Sh2 billion in revenue. This discrepancy stems from widespread non-compliance with the Nairobi City County Outdoor Advertising Act, 2018.
Charles Kerich, Nairobi County Lands and Urban Planning executive, revealed that only 15% of 48 major outdoor advertising firms adhere to the law. The remaining 85% reportedly evade fees by negotiating directly with landowners, leading to a cluttered landscape on major roads including Thika Highway, Waiyaki Way, and Ngong Road.
Kerich emphasized that unapproved advertising structures, including those at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson, must comply with regulations. Failure to settle outstanding debts—exceeding Sh227 million as of February 2019—will bar companies from future approvals. Advertisers are required to declare all structures and pay fees by the 10th of each month, with non-compliance risking site reallocation to other entities.
The county has launched a six-week operation to flatten illegal billboards along Waiyaki Way, reinforcing its stance that unauthorized advertising violates the 2018 Act. Kerich warned that branding vehicles or buildings without permits is also illegal, underscoring efforts to formalize the sector and recover lost revenue.
