Owners of residential and commercial buildings in Mombasa's Central Business District (CBD) have started painting their structures with a uniform colour.
This follows a public notice issued to residents by the county administration in March 2018, directing that all buildings should be painted white with blue colour, symbolizing the Indian Ocean.
The County Administration gave out 14 days to comply with the preparation of painting and 30 days from start of the directive to complete.
“The buildings should be in white with Egyptian blue border on the edges and windows above without any sign written on the wall or canopy,” read the notice signed by Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works CeC Tawfiq Balala.
“We will take those who will not comply to court. Ensure to collect compliance letter at completion by attaching photos before and after as a proof of evidence to support,” added the letter.
The directive came two weeks after the county engaged residents in a public forum on implementation of the idea, with many saying it would be a cheapest way of beautifying the coastal city.
Governor Hassan Ali Joho announced his administration had embarked on the plan that would see both Mombasa CBD and Old Town painted in a uniform colour.
“Historically we are known of culture and heritage. We can go for either white and blue or any other but just to ensure we maintain our identity as Mombasa people,” Joho said in February.
As owners of the buildings start painting, a few of the residents said:
Omar Karama
4the old buildings is OK bt not bima tower and TSS this tall buildings should look different should remain with their natural color/ paints
Salha Mamake
They look nice
Mbom Sirkal
Bad idea