Sonko’s Buildings Repainting Order Exposes Archaic Law

An order issued by the Nairobi County government compelling city landlords to repaint their buildings within 30 days has exposed an archaic law that has not been updated to match the latest advancements in the building and construction sector.

During a tour of the central business district in January, Governor Mike Sonko directed building owners in the city to repaint their structures as part of a beautification project.

“Nairobi is a commercial hub. We should make sure that it is beautiful and clean. All buildings should be repainted. Owners have a choice to either maintain their original colours or change them as they please,” he said.

Although Sonko did not issue a deadline by which the buildings should be repainted, he asked landlords to abide by the directive – which is actually in line with the city’s by-laws that stipulate that every building in the city must be repainted every two years.

As was expected, the decree fell on deaf ears. Few, if any, landlords have repainted their buildings nearly three months later – forcing the county to issue an ultimatum for compliance.

In a public notice on Thursday, the office of the governor gave property owners 30 days to comply with the order or face unspecified consequences.

“The Nairobi City County Government laws require property owners to repaint their premises every two years to improve the aesthetic beauty of the city and maintenance of health standards.

“In this regard, Nairobi City County Government wishes to advise all property owners that their premises should be painted, repainted, or decorated within the next (30) days; failure to which (sic) action shall be taken to enforce the same.

“At the expiry of the notice, County Public Health Officers will visit to inspect and assess compliance by the respective property owners as per the prevailing Public Health Act CAP 242 of the laws of Kenya.

“Property owners are further advised to liaise with the County’s Public Health Sector (City Hall Room 323) for issuance of a list of recommended paints for the said works,” read the notice issued by acting county secretary Leboo Ole Morintat.

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While repainting of buildings adds to their value, Johnstone Ngare, a Kasarani-based contractor, says the by-law “has been overtaken by events considering that the minimum warranty period for most external paints is five years.”

“It is not practical and cost-effective to repaint every two years given the developments in the paint sector,” he adds.

Jane Otieno, a tenant, is on the other hand very happy about the directive.

She argues that fine-looking buildings will attract better tenants and more shoppers – which will eventually lead to more profitable ventures.

“Landlords should keep their buildings neat since the benefits are self-evident,” she said.

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