Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho's administration has suffered a set-back after the High Court in the coastal city dismissed an order by the County government, to have all residential and commercial buildings in the Central Business District (CBD) painted Egyptian-blue and white.
The public notice was issued to residents by the county administration, directing that all buildings be painted with a uniform colour to symbolize the Indian Ocean.
In March this year, the Mombasa County Administration through the Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works CeC Tawfiq Balala, gave out a 14-days notice to owners of buildings in the CDB to comply with the preparation of painting, and 30 days from start of the directive, to complete the painting.
The County government warned that it will take those who will not comply with the directive to court.
However, BestLady Cosmetics rushed to the court and petitioned the order, arguing that the directive interferes with the company's freedom of doing business.
Through laywer Samuel Kariuki, BestLady cosmetics said it will lose its popularity if all of its branches in the CBD are painted with a uniform colour.
Mombasa High Court Judge Erick Ogolla further dismissed the directive on Thursday after the county government of Mombasa failed to respond to the case.
Governor Hassan Joho's administration had engaged residents in a public forum on the implementation of the idea, with many saying it will be a cheapest way of beautifying the coastal city.
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