Sonko orders for repainting of Nairobi buildings

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Saturday ordered owners of buildings within the city’s Central Business District to repaint their buildings during the December festive season.

Sonko said the move is aimed at restoring the city’s lost glory as the “green city under the sun”.

“I humbly remind all building owners within the city to repaint their buildings and repair the small section of pedestrian walkways in front of their buildings,” said Sonko.

“I wish to encourage building owners to take advantage of this festive season when there will be lighter human traffic to bring back the aesthetic beauty of our city and improve the business environment. I understand the fiscal strain that this action will have on your businesses, but this will go a long way to restore the lost glory of our city,” he stated.

County laws require that property owners repaint their premises every two years to maintain health standards.

Speaking on Saturday at Kiboro grounds in Mathare Constituency during the Nairobi monthly clean-up exercise, the Governor also announced that his administration has launched an aggressive campaign to enforce revenue compliance. Sonko warned that action will be taken against building owners who fail to clear their rates.

“For Nairobi to deliver services, we must collect revenue. The county government has launched an aggressive campaign to enforce revenue compliance. I appeal to all buildings owners to clear their rates arrears to avoid being clamped. Also vehicles that are parked without payment will be clamped and towed,” he added.

Sonko has however cautioned corrupt county officials who collude with traders to deny the county government revenue that stern action will be taken against them. “I am also aware that, we are losing a lot of revenue in our markets and advertising sector through some corrupt county officials, your days are numbered,” Sonko warned.

The event was graced by UN Habitat Executive Director, Maimunah Mohd Sharif,Fernando Coimbra , chair of the Committee of permanent representative to the UN-Habitat, Nyeri Deputy Governor Caroline Karugu, Mathare MP Antony Oluoch, Nairobi County CECs, dozens of MCAs among others.