The county government of Nairobi has pulled down several billboards it termed unlawful.
The billboards had been erected along major roads, with reports that they had blocked pedestrian walkways. They were also blocking road signs, county officials said.
In a night raid on Monday, May 5, the county leadership destroyed the dozens of billboards on several major roads in the city.
Some of the billboards removed had been suspended over roads and obstructed a significant number of traffic signs. Others were blocking pedestrian pathways.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai praised the county for the move, noting that it was necessary since the billboards had become a problem on the roads.
According to Alai, the county should extend the crackdown to other major roads, including James Gichuru, Ngong, and Olenguruone roads.
"Thank you the Nairobi City County, for removing all the unlawful billboards blocking roads and pedestrian paths. Now move to Oloitoktok, James Gichuru, Ngong and Olenguruone roads and remove all of them," the MCA said.
The operation comes four months after the county warned advertising companies against non-compliance with licensing and advertising regulations.
In January, the county conducted the same operation on billboards and business signages in the Central Business District. Many business owners woke up to find their signage missing, with some claiming they had no prior notice about the removal.
The exercise was led by the Chief Officer for Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, who said this was meant to improve the city’s image and bring order.
Mosiria emphasised that unlawful structures blocking streets and hindering cleaning efforts would be treated as public nuisances under environmental laws.
The operation targeted various establishments, including shops, eateries, and clubs. Enforcement officers removed signages deemed obstructive or unpaid.
According to the county licensing and advertising regulations, erected billboards should not obstruct road signs, pedestrian pathways, or pose risks to public safety.
