Business came to a halt on the morning of Tuesday, January 14, following an unannounced overnight operation by the Nairobi County Government to remove signage from several establishments.
A number of small businesses including eateries, clothing outlets, fast food joints and mobile phone shops had their signage taken down in an operation the county government called a step toward restoring order and improving the city’s image.
Led by Geoffrey Mosiria, Nairobi County’s Environment Chief Officer, the operation, captured in clips shared online, was carried out by county enforcement officers under heavy security.
Mosiria stated that the businesses affected were cited for failing to comply with licensing and advertising regulations.
“As we sweep and unclog drainage systems in the CBD, all illegal structures blocking our streets and hindering cleaning efforts will be treated as public nuisances under environmental laws. We must reclaim our spaces and make Nairobi clean, safe, and orderly for everyone,” he stated.
The operation was just the beginning of Nairobi County’s renewed efforts to enforce new outdoor advertising regulations aimed at improving safety, enhancing the city’s appearance, and reducing visual clutter.
The county’s Outdoor Advertising and Signage Policy has defined prohibited types of signage and introduced regulations to manage excessive and disorganized advertising within its area.
The following types of signage are banned in the Nairobi CBD:
- Unapproved advertisements displayed without the necessary permits or approvals.
- Signs hanging across streets that pose safety hazards, unless specifically authorized.
- Advertisements that obstruct traffic visibility, block ventilation, or interfere with essential building exits.
- Obscene or offensive signs, along with flashing, animated, or illuminated advertisements that cause disturbances or pose safety risks.
The policy recommends the strategic placement and consolidation of advertisements to combat sign clutter.
The policy also limits the number of visible signs to one within a single sightline in transport corridors, where clear visibility is essential for road safety.
Business owners are advised to replace multiple small signs with a few larger advertisements to foster a more visually cohesive and organised environment.
Furthermore, new signage must be designed to preserve the visibility of existing advertisements, ensuring fairness among all advertisers.
These measures seek to harmonize outdoor advertising with the need for a safer, more appealing cityscape. By controlling sign clutter and enforcing compliance, the county aims to support business growth while maintaining public safety and environmental quality.
