The landlord of the Easy Coach building has been arrested and is expected to be arraigned as City Hall intensifies a major crackdown on property owners who have defied repainting directives. At least 31 building owners in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) are now facing possible prosecution for non-compliance as the county steps up enforcement starting Monday November 10, 2025.
According to the CBD Repainting Progress Report (October–November 2025), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has already approved 19 statements for prosecution, while another 28 cases are under review. Ten statements have been returned with comments for further action.
The report shows that out of 158 buildings issued with compliance notices, only 41 have fully met the requirements, while 34 have ongoing repainting works. A total of 101 buildings have since been re-inspected, with 57 statements forwarded to the ODPP for legal consideration.
Confirming the ongoing crackdown, Health and Nutrition CECM Suzanne Silantoi said county officers have already begun an intensive verification exercise across the city to identify buildings that remain non-compliant.
“We have given ample notice and adequate time for property owners to act. Today, inspections have officially begun. Those who continue to ignore the directive will face penalties, closure, or prosecution under the Public Health Act. So far, 31 buildings have shown no sign of compliance out of 158 that were issued with notices and 19 are already ready for prosecution,” Silantoi said.
The directive, anchored in the Public Health Act (Cap 242) and the Physical and Land Use Planning Act (2019), requires property owners to maintain their premises in a clean and habitable condition.
“This is not just about inspection; it’s about public health. Some of these buildings have not been painted for decades, while others pose serious health hazards. This is the capital city we must keep it clean and safe,” she added.
Public Health Chief Officer Tom Nyalaba noted that the crackdown will continue in phases and warned that more arrests and prosecutions are expected.
“Apart from public health concerns, we are also assessing the architectural safety of these buildings. If we find any that are structurally unsafe, we issue immediate vacation notices. We urge residents and landlords to comply before the law catches up with them,” Nyalaba said.
The report further reveals that five property owners have sought extensions to complete repainting two requests honored, one denied, and two still under review.
City Hall maintains that the repainting campaign is part of a broader initiative to restore Nairobi’s visual appeal, enhance building safety, and enforce long-neglected public health regulations.
