Any business or individual erecting an outdoor advertisement — billboards, wall murals, hanging banners, LED screens, vehicle wraps used for advertising, or directional business signage — must obtain approval from the relevant county government under the Physical Planning Act and county by-laws. NEMA may also be involved where environmental aesthetics are a concern.
Issuing Authority: County Government Planning / Revenue Department
| Signage Type | Annual Permit Fee (KES) |
|---|---|
| Small business fascia sign (under 2 m²) | 2,000 – 6,000 |
| Medium shop sign (2 – 10 m²) | 6,000 – 20,000 |
| Large wall-mounted sign (10 – 30 m²) | 20,000 – 60,000 |
| Billboard (standard, roadside) | 30,000 – 120,000 |
| Large-format / digital billboard | 80,000 – 300,000 |
| Vehicle / fleet advertising wrap | 3,000 – 8,000 per vehicle |
| Temporary banner / event signage | 1,000 – 5,000 |
| Signage in CBD (Nairobi premium zones) | Premium rates apply; up to 2× standard |
Unapproved signage is subject to removal by county enforcement officers and fines of up to KES 100,000. Nairobi City County maintains an active outdoor advertising enforcement unit that regularly removes non-compliant signs.
14. Fire Clearance Certificate / Fire Safety Licence
The Fire Clearance Certificate confirms that a building or business premises complies with fire safety regulations, including adequate fire exits, extinguishers, smoke detectors, and emergency lighting. It is issued following an inspection by the County Fire and Rescue Services Department and is required before a business can open and when renewing other permits.
Issuing Authority: County Fire and Rescue Services Department
| Premises Category | Annual Certificate Fee (KES) |
|---|---|
| Small retail shop / office | 3,000 – 8,000 |
| Restaurant / food premises | 5,000 – 12,000 |
| Hotel (small to mid-range) | 10,000 – 30,000 |
| Large hotel / high-rise building | 30,000 – 100,000 |
| Petrol station / fuel depot | 15,000 – 50,000 |
| Factory / industrial premises | 20,000 – 80,000 |
| School / educational institution | 8,000 – 25,000 |
| Re-inspection fee | 3,000 – 6,000 |
A Fire Clearance Certificate is a prerequisite for the issuance of an Occupation Certificate and is typically required by insurance providers before issuing commercial property cover. It is valid for one year.