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Nairobi govt starts arresting landlords in unpainted buildings crackdown
11th November, 2025 01:18 PM
The Nairobi County government has arrested several landlords who ignored an October 2025 directive to repaint their buildings as part of an initiative to enhance the city’s image.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, after the operation, the Nairobi County Health Executive, Suzanne Silantoi, said the landlords will face charges for disregarding the directive issued by the devolved unit.
“We do not want to arrest landlords; however, if they do not comply, we are forced to act. Some have already met the directive, and we commend them,” Silantoi said.
She said that only 41 of the 158 buildings that received notices to repaint complied, prompting the authorities to intensify the crackdown.
The City Hall official added that 31 landlords have been evading authorities, but the county is determined to pursue them and enforce compliance.
On his part, the county’s Chief Health Officer Tom Nyakaba warned that the county will not tolerate blatant disregard for its notices and urged owners to cooperate, with the crackdown set to extend to areas including Westlands, Upper Hill, Ngara, Kirinyaga Road, and other busy hubs.
“We encourage all owners to comply and work with the county. Ignoring our directives is unacceptable,” Nyakaba said.
Buildings found violating the directive will face penalties such as statutory closure, fines, or prosecution, with the county maintaining that the exercise aims to enhance Nairobi’s image and safeguard public health.
The painting directive
The notice had been issued a final warning to all property owners, tenants, and property management agents within specific areas of the Central Business District (CBD) to repaint their buildings or repair existing security lights within 14 days or face tough penalties.
In a directive signed by Acting County Secretary Godfrey Akumali, the affected areas include all premises within the CBD Westlands, Upper Hill, Ngara, Kirinyaga Road, and all designated shopping centers.
According to the county government, the buildings must undergo repainting to meet public health and housing standards.
Akumali cited that the move is anchored on the Public Health Act (Cap 242) and the Physical and Land Use Planning Act (2019), which aims at restoring the city’s aesthetic appeal while safeguarding public health.
“This notice takes effect immediately and remains valid for fourteen days only. Failure to comply will result in statutory closure orders and prosecution in line with Sections 115, 118, and 126 of the Public Health Act,” the notice read.
City Hall also encouraged property owners to take advantage of the waived repainting permit fees to comply with the directive.
