A 2018 report revealed that outdoor advertisers owed Nairobi County Government Sh227 million in unpaid fees, prompting the county to begin dismantling non-compliant billboards. Lands and Urban Planning executive Charles Kerich emphasized that advertising firms must settle debts by the 10th of each month, noting only 10-15% of the 48 registered companies maintained regular payments.
County officials started removing illegal billboards on Waiyaki Way, citing non-compliance as the primary reason. Kerich stated multiple meetings had been held with advertisers to encourage adherence to payment schedules, but some firms ignored reminders. Planning Chief Officer Justus Kathenge explained that an occupancy schedule was established to cross-reference advertiser data with county records, requiring billboards to be clearly branded for identification.
Advertising firms with permits are restricted from converting single-sided billboards to double-sided without approval. The county identified Waiyaki Way, Ngong Road, Lang'ata Road, Mombasa Road, and Thika Superhighway as areas with the highest concentration of illegal structures. Officials warned non-compliant firms would face continued enforcement actions, stating, "It will not be business as usual." The measures aim to ensure transparency and adherence to urban planning regulations.
