Nairobi County Government has directed outdoor advertising agencies to clear pending bills worth Sh350 million.

 Finance Executive Larry Wambua said the county had issued a 10-day notice to the effect, failure to which action will be taken.

 “After going through our records, we have realised that outdoor advertising companies owe the county more than Sh350 million outstanding for their various infrastructure on roads and other properties. We have given them 10 days to clear the outstanding amount,” Wambua said.

 Speaking at the weekend, the Finance boss warned that after the expiry of the notice, City Hall will start bringing down billboards.

 Wambua noted that the county will accept a payment plan from the concerned companies to initiate gradual payment in settling the arrears.

 “We all recognise that this is a hard-economic time, so we are going to offer them a time frame for those who want to come and offer a payment plan. We will accept as long as it is reasonable,” he added.

 In March 2019, it was reported that City Hall loses more than Sh15 million monthly from illegal erection of billboards. There are more than 200,000 signage and more than 1,000 large format advertisements from which the county collects Sh700 million annually against an estimated potential target of Sh2 billion.

The fourth quarter Budget Implementation Report for 2018-19 shows that among the more than 100 revenue streams, only fire inspection and house rent met their annual targets.

 From land rates, City Hall collected Sh2.04 billion against a target of Sh3.6 billion. Parking fees generated Sh2 billion against a target of Sh3.03 billion.

 Billboards and advertising yielded Sh785 million against a target of Sh1 billion.