Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai demands a comprehensive report on the unregulated proliferation of billboards and outdoor advertisements in Nairobi.
Alai says the billboards have created visual pollution, safety hazards and environmental degradation.
The ODM MCA in a letter dated September 16, 2025, says he has demanded answers from the County government and other agencies on the procedure of licencing and approvals.
The letter is addressed to Chief Officer of the Department of Urban Development and Planning, Nairobi City County, and copied to key national entities, including KeNHA, NEMA, NTSA, KURA, EPRA, and others.
“As the elected Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Kileleshwa Ward, I am committed to safeguarding the well-being, aesthetic integrity, and safety of our residents. The inquiry seeks full transparency on approvals, revenues, enforcement and potential abuses of power,” he says.
The letter calls for information on all inventories of all structures, details on applicants and payments, compliance histories, and future mitigation plans to align with laws like the Nairobi City County Outdoor Advertising Act, 2018, and national urban policies.
“These steps are essential to restore sanity to our cherished residential enclave, preserving its green spaces, cultural heritage, and livability under Vision 2030. Kileleshwa deserves protection from exploitation, not commercialization at the expense of public safety and harmony.”
Alai claims that cartels have been attempting to extort the billboard owners while dropping names of senior politicians.
“In parallel, we are actively pursuing all acts of lawlessness, including the reported violence and extortion attempts, in collaboration with the police and other security stakeholders. Investigations are underway to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent future incidents.”
“To the senior politicians whose names or relatives may be implicated: I must remind you that Kileleshwa is a cherished residential enclave, home to families, professionals, and communities who deserve protection from exploitation,” he added.
The County Legislator states that the partial control zoning under the Policy is designed to preserve its serene character, green spaces (such as those adjacent to the Arboretum), and cultural heritage, aligning with national goals for sustainable urban development under Vision 2030.
Exploiting it through unauthorised billboards for personal gain, Alai warns, erodes public trust, endangers lives through safety hazards, and contravenes the ethical standards expected of leaders under Chapter Six of the Constitution.
“Residents have repeatedly raised alarm over the visual pollution, structural hazards (such as unstable erections blocking sightlines at intersections), and the overall degradation of Kileleshwa's residential character, which falls under "Areas of Partial Control" as defined in the Policy.”
Major roads like Waiyaki Way, Ring Road Kileleshwa, Olenguruone Road, Oloitokitok Road, and Mandera Road, Othaya Road, Nyeri Road are particularly affected, with billboards encroaching on setbacks, exceeding height limits (for example, beyond 6 metres for wall signs), and violating spacing requirements (minimum 250 metres between structures).
“These billboards are increasing in size that the Nairobi City County is also now confessing that it doesn’t have the capacity to remove the offending billboards.”
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