Nairobi City County Outdoor Advertising and Signage Policy 2018

Abstract

Advertising is a multi-million shilling industry and now forms part of everyday culture, often adding colour to our streets. It is a good indicator of business health, can be a valuable source of information and is viewed by many as a form of entertainment in itself. Outdoor advertising is a key element of the industry and contributes to the creation of a vibrant and competitive economy. All advertisements affect the appearance of the building or place where they are displayed. Given the potential impact of outdoor advertising on amenity, both positive and negative, there is a need to balance the requirements of the industry with the protection and, where possible, enhancement of the character and appearance of our city and its environs. There is a corresponding need to ensure that advertisements will not prejudice public safety. The County on its part wishes to ensure that care is taken with the display of outdoor advertisements so that they do not prejudice amenity or public safety, having regard to the specific circumstances of each proposal. Overall, the County intends to encourage the provision of well-designed advertising which respects the building or location where it is displayed and which contribute to a quality environment. There is a particular need to protect the unique qualities and amenity of the countryside and important townscape features, such as listed buildings and their settings, conservation areas and areas of townscape character, among others.