This archive report was first published on 19 September 2019.
Nairobi County has embarked on a campaign to remove illegally erected billboards and outdoor advertising structures within the county, starting on September 18, 2019.
The campaign, spearheaded by the Lands and Urban Planning department officials, aims to bring order to the city's cluttered roads and ensure compliance with the county's laws.
On Thursday, officials moved within the city center, pulling down billboards erected on top of directional signage. According to our source, 'The directional signage are supposed to be visible with no distraction, but when you put an advert on top of a signage showing the direction to Kenyatta Avenue, what do you expect people to concentrate on?'
Billboards being pulled down were erected without the approval of the Nairobi County Lands and Urban Planning department. By applying for the space, the county can control where the billboards should be placed and track the expected revenue generated.
Companies that have applied for billboard space are listed with the Urban Planning department, making it easier to follow up on arrears. However, if a company does not provide information, it becomes difficult to follow up on payment.
On Wednesday, unlicensed billboards along Waiyaki Way were flattened by county officers. The worst affected roads are Thika Superhighway, Waiyaki Way, Mombasa, Lang'ata, and Ngong Roads.
In March this year, the county estimated that it loses at least Sh15 million every month from unapproved billboards. The capital city has more than 200,000 signage and over 1,000 large format advertisements, with City Hall netting a paltry Sh700 million annually against a potential of an estimated Sh2 billion.
