Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has sparked public anger after ordering all building owners to repaint their premises within 14 days or risk closure.
The county government said the directive targets areas such as the Central Business District, Westlands, Upper Hill, Ngara, Kirinyaga Road, and other shopping centres.
Acting County Secretary Godfrey Akumali stated that those who fail to comply will face prosecution, though the county has temporarily waived the usual fees for repainting permits.
While the county says the move is meant to improve public health and housing standards, many Nairobi residents see it as misplaced priorities.
For months, the city has been struggling with serious drainage and garbage problems. Every time it rains, roads become rivers and businesses shut down because of flooding.
Just recently, large parts of the city were overrun by floods, paralyzing movement and damaging property.
Instead of addressing the poor drainage and uncollected garbage, Sakaja’s administration seems more focused on painting walls.
This has left many questioning the governor’s sense of urgency and whether he understands the real issues affecting the people of Nairobi.
The city’s drainage system has not been upgraded for years. Most of the old infrastructure is clogged with garbage and construction waste.
Open drains are filled with plastic and dirt, making it impossible for stormwater to flow. In areas like South B, Zimmerman, and parts of the CBD, floods have become a common scene whenever it rains.
Yet the county’s response has been limited to cosmetic projects such as beautification and clean-up exercises that rarely last.
Residents have also complained that garbage collection has slowed down, leading to piles of waste in estates and around markets.
Many Nairobians feel that a governor who prioritizes painting buildings instead of repairing drainages and improving waste management has lost touch with reality.
Businesses are struggling due to poor infrastructure, and people are tired of wading through water and rubbish while leaders chase publicity through short-term directives.
The repainting order might make the city look tidy for a few weeks, but it does not solve the long-term problems that make living in Nairobi increasingly difficult.
Instead of issuing cosmetic orders, the county government should focus on lasting solutions that prevent flooding, improve garbage collection, and modernize the city’s drainage system. Nairobi residents want a cleaner and safer city, not one that only looks good on the surface.
