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Sakaja Orders All Nairobi CBD Buildings Must Be Repainted in 90 Days

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In a significant move aimed at improving the aesthetics and hygiene of Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), Nairobi County Government, led by Governor Johnson Sakaja, has announced that all buildings within the CBD must be repainted within 90 days. This directive is part of a broader plan to enhance the city’s appeal and maintain a cleaner, more organized environment for both locals and tourists.

In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this decision, what it means for property owners and businesses, and the potential economic, environmental, and social impacts of this initiative. If you are a property owner, tenant, or business operating in Nairobi’s CBD, read on to understand how this policy will affect you and the steps you need to take to comply with the directive.


Why the Directive Was Issued: Enhancing Nairobi’s Aesthetic Appeal

The decision by Governor Sakaja is part of a larger vision to revitalize Nairobi’s CBD. The CBD is the heartbeat of the city, with numerous businesses, government offices, and cultural landmarks. However, in recent years, the area has been grappling with several challenges, including:

  • Deteriorating building facades: Many buildings in the CBD have suffered from peeling paint, weathering, and general neglect. This has contributed to the area’s shabby appearance, which impacts its image both locally and internationally.
  • Lack of urban planning and maintenance: With rapid urbanization, the CBD has struggled to keep pace with the growing population. This has led to overcrowding, poorly maintained infrastructure, and a lack of attention to detail when it comes to building aesthetics.
  • Increasing demand for cleaner, safer spaces: Nairobi’s city government, in collaboration with other stakeholders, has increasingly recognized the importance of creating clean, organized urban spaces that appeal to both residents and visitors.

The repainting initiative seeks to address these concerns by giving the CBD a fresh, unified look. Repainting buildings will not only improve the aesthetic value of the city but also enhance its overall environment, contributing to a safer and more welcoming atmosphere.


The Key Features of the 90-Day Repainting Directive

Governor Sakaja’s directive includes several key details that property owners, businesses, and other stakeholders in the Nairobi CBD need to be aware of:

1. Deadline: 90 Days to Complete Repainting

All buildings in the Central Business District are required to complete repainting within 90 days of the announcement. This relatively short deadline has been set to ensure swift action and prevent further deterioration of the area.

2. Scope of the Directive

  • Who is affected?: The directive applies to all property owners, including residential, commercial, and government buildings, within the CBD area. This includes private landlords, business owners, and any other parties responsible for the upkeep of buildings.
  • What needs to be done?: All buildings must be repainted to meet the required aesthetic standards. This involves repainting the external surfaces of buildings, including walls, windows, doors, and any other visible structures that contribute to the overall appearance of the building.
  • Paint standards: While specific paint colors or brands are not stipulated in the directive, property owners are expected to choose colors and finishes that align with the city’s updated aesthetic standards. The city government may provide a guide or recommendations to ensure consistency across buildings.
  • Penalties for non-compliance: Failure to comply with the directive within the 90-day period may result in fines or other penalties. Property owners who do not adhere to the repainting requirement could face legal actions, which could include sanctions or possible shutdowns for businesses operating in the area.

3. Enforcement and Oversight

The Nairobi County Government will oversee the enforcement of this directive through its urban planning and housing departments. Inspectors will be tasked with checking the progress of repainting works and ensuring that the buildings comply with the aesthetic guidelines.


What Does This Mean for Property Owners in Nairobi’s CBD?

If you are a property owner in the Nairobi CBD, here’s what you need to do to ensure compliance with the new directive:

1. Plan and Budget for Repainting

Given the 90-day timeline, it is crucial to start planning for repainting as soon as possible. If you’re a landlord or business owner, this means:

  • Getting quotes from professional painters: Look for reputable painting contractors who specialize in commercial and residential buildings.
  • Choosing the right materials: Opt for high-quality, durable paints that can withstand Nairobi’s changing weather conditions. Consider weather-resistant paints to reduce the need for frequent touch-ups.
  • Budgeting for the costs: Depending on the size of the building, repainting can be a significant expense. Make sure to allocate enough funds for both labor and materials.

2. Coordinate with Tenants or Business Operators

If you own a commercial building, communicate with your tenants about the upcoming repainting process. Ensure that they are aware of the timelines and the possible disruption to their daily operations.

  • Notify tenants early: Give tenants enough notice so they can prepare for any inconveniences caused by the repainting process, such as temporary closure or restricted access to certain parts of the building.
  • Schedule work during off-peak hours: For businesses that operate during the day, it may be best to schedule repainting work in the evening or early morning to minimize disruption.

3. Ensure Compliance with Building Regulations

The repainting must be done according to Nairobi’s building codes and regulations. This means:

  • Adhering to city aesthetics guidelines: While the directive does not specify exact colors, the city government may issue guidelines to ensure that the paint scheme enhances the urban environment.
  • Maintaining structural integrity: Ensure that the repainting is done in a way that does not compromise the structural integrity of the building. This may involve repairing any cracks or damages to the walls before painting.

Economic Implications of the Directive

The repainting directive has significant potential for both short-term and long-term economic impacts on Nairobi’s CBD:

1. Boost to the Local Economy

  • Employment opportunities: The directive will create jobs for local painters, suppliers of paint and materials, and contractors. This is a great opportunity to engage local businesses and skilled workers, particularly in the construction and painting sectors.
  • Increased demand for paint: The increased demand for paints and related supplies will provide a boost to local paint manufacturers and distributors.

2. Enhanced Property Value

A freshly painted building can significantly increase its market value. For property owners in Nairobi’s CBD, this is an opportunity to enhance the value of their buildings. Well-maintained buildings attract higher-paying tenants and can fetch better prices if they are put on the market for sale or rent.

3. Improved Business Environment

For business owners in the CBD, the repainting initiative will help create a more appealing environment. A cleaner, more visually appealing district will likely attract more customers and investors, leading to better sales and growth opportunities.


Social and Environmental Impact

1. Improved Public Health and Hygiene

By repainting the buildings, the Nairobi County Government hopes to address some of the sanitation issues that have plagued the CBD. Repainting can cover up mold, graffiti, and other unsightly elements that may contribute to a dirty or unsafe environment. Cleaner buildings can also help prevent health issues related to mold and mildew.

2. Enhancing Nairobi’s Image as a Tourist Destination

Nairobi is a major hub for tourism, with visitors coming from all over the world. A clean and well-maintained CBD will enhance Nairobi’s image as a vibrant, modern city, making it more attractive to tourists. The repainting of buildings can also complement ongoing efforts to beautify other areas of the city, such as public parks, roads, and transport infrastructure.


Embrace the Opportunity for Growth and Revitalization

The directive issued by Governor Sakaja for all buildings in Nairobi’s Central Business District to be repainted within 90 days is an exciting development for the city. This initiative presents a unique opportunity to revitalize Nairobi’s urban environment, improve its appeal, and contribute to the long-term economic and social growth of the city.

For property owners, this means taking proactive steps to ensure compliance with the directive, which could lead to improved property value, increased business opportunities, and an enhanced community environment.

If you’re a property owner or business operator in Nairobi’s CBD, don’t wait for the last minute! Start planning your repainting today and be part of the exciting transformation of Nairobi’s Central Business District