If you are planning outdoor advertising, street promotions, signage, or vehicle branding in Nairobi, understanding the Nairobi County advertising fees is critical. These fees are regulated under the Nairobi City County Finance Act 2023 and apply to businesses, advertisers, marketers, event promoters, and branding companies operating within Nairobi County.
This guide explains the latest Nairobi County advertising charges, who they apply to, and how businesses can stay compliant while maximizing brand visibility.
Why Nairobi County Advertising Fees Matter
Nairobi is Kenya’s commercial hub, making outdoor and mobile advertising highly competitive. Nairobi County regulates advertising to:
- Manage use of public spaces
- Ensure orderly outdoor advertising
- Generate revenue for urban management
Failure to comply can lead to:
- Heavy penalties and fines
- Confiscation or removal of advertising materials
- Campaign delays and losses
Understanding the official fees helps businesses budget accurately, avoid compliance risks, and plan effective advertising campaigns.
Handbills, Flyers & Public Announcements Fees
Businesses that rely on mass promotions and public announcements should note the following charges:
- First 500 handbills (per fortnight): KES 4,000 – 4,500
- Advertisement by loudspeaker / PA system (per day): KES 9,100 – 10,000
These fees apply to promotional activities conducted in public areas such as streets, markets, and estates.
Airborne & Decorative Advertising Charges
Creative and experiential advertising methods are increasingly popular in Nairobi:
- Airborne advertising (per fortnight): KES 10,920 – 11,000
- Decorative balloons (per fortnight): KES 10,920 – 11,000
- Branded umbrellas or parasols (per month): KES 1,820 – 1,900
These are commonly used for brand activations, outdoor events, exhibitions, and mall promotions.
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Landscape & Street Display Advertising Fees
Landscape Scheme Approval
- Landscape scheme approval (annual): KES 3,640 – 3,700
Street Display Advertising (per fortnight unless stated)
- Mobile stage truck: KES 13,650 – 14,000
- Sandwich men (per person per day): KES 2,100 – 2,500
- Fixed stage (platform or table): KES 13,650 – 13,700
- Tent advertising (maximum 5m x 5m): KES 10,920 – 11,000
- Temporary pavement display: KES 13,650 – 14,000
- Signboards, roll-up banners, pavement signage: KES 13,650 – 15,000
These charges are common for roadshows, product launches, sales promotions, and political or corporate campaigns.
Mobile & Trailer Advertising Charges
Advertising on the move offers high visibility across Nairobi:
- Mobile advertising trailer (per fortnight): KES 13,650 – 15,000
- Stationary advertising trailer (per month): KES 25,000
- Funfair or aerobatic displays (per site per fortnight): KES 13,650 – 14,000
Construction Site Hoarding Advertising Fees
Developers and contractors branding construction sites are required to pay:
- First 10m² or below (one-off): KES 10,920 – 11,000
- Additional space above 10m² (per square metre per year): KES 1,000
This applies to branded hoardings placed around construction and development sites.
Vehicle Branding & Decoration Fees in Nairobi
Vehicle branding remains one of the most cost-effective advertising methods in the city:
- External branding – saloon cars, pickups, vans (per year): KES 18,200 – 20,000
- External branding – trucks, buses, canters (per year): KES 18,200 – 25,000
Annual compliance is required to avoid the removal of branded graphics or penalties.
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How Businesses Can Advertise Legally & Effectively in Nairobi
To maximize return on investment while remaining compliant:
- Choose advertising formats with high visibility and manageable fees
- Secure county approvals before campaign rollout
- Work with experienced branding and advertising professionals
- Combine outdoor advertising with digital branding strategies for better reach
Conclusion: Plan Smart, Advertise Legally
Understanding Nairobi County advertising fees is essential for any business planning outdoor advertising, signage, promotions, or vehicle branding. When factored into your marketing budget early, these charges help you run smooth, compliant, and impactful campaigns across Nairobi.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Nairobi County Advertising Fees
What are the advertising fees in Nairobi County?
Nairobi County advertising fees are statutory charges set by the Nairobi City County Government under the Finance Act 2023. They apply to outdoor advertising, signage, street promotions, vehicle branding, mobile advertising, and other physical advertising activities carried out within Nairobi.
How much does Nairobi County charge for outdoor advertising?
The cost of outdoor advertising in Nairobi depends on the format used. Charges range from a few thousand shillings for handbills to over KES 25,000 for stationary advertising trailers, with fees billed daily, fortnightly, monthly, or annually depending on the medium.
Who is required to pay advertising fees in Nairobi?
Any business, organization, advertiser, event promoter, or individual advertising in public spaces within Nairobi County must pay the applicable advertising fees. This includes SMEs, corporates, NGOs, political campaigns, and event organizers.
Do I need a permit to advertise in Nairobi County?
Yes. If you are asking, “Do I need a permit to advertise in Nairobi?”, the answer is yes. Most outdoor and physical advertising formats require county approval and payment of the prescribed fees before installation or activation.
How much does vehicle branding cost in Nairobi?
Vehicle branding costs in Nairobi range from KES 18,200 to KES 20,000 per year for saloon cars, pickups, and vans, and up to KES 25,000 per year for trucks, buses, and canters. These are annual Nairobi County charges.
How often are Nairobi County advertising fees charged?
Advertising fees may be charged daily, fortnightly, monthly, or annually, depending on the advertising method. For example, PA system advertising is charged daily, banners are charged fortnightly, while vehicle branding is charged annually.
What happens if I advertise without paying Nairobi County fees?
If you advertise without paying Nairobi County fees, you risk fines, removal of advertising materials, suspension of campaigns, and additional enforcement penalties by county authorities.
Are digital or online advertisements charged by Nairobi County?
No. Nairobi County advertising fees mainly apply to physical and outdoor advertising. Digital advertising, such as Google Ads, social media ads, and website marketing, is not currently subject to county advertising charges.
Can a branding company help with Nairobi County advertising approvals?
Yes. Professional branding companies can help businesses interpret applicable fees, process county approvals, design compliant advertising materials, and manage installations legally within Nairobi County.
Are Nairobi County advertising fees refundable?
In most cases, Nairobi County advertising fees are non-refundable, even if an advertising campaign is cancelled or shortened. Proper planning before payment is strongly advised.
People Also Ask: Nairobi County Advertising Fees
How do I advertise legally in Nairobi?
To advertise legally in Nairobi, you must select an approved advertising format, pay the required Nairobi County advertising fees, obtain county approval, and ensure your advertising materials comply with county regulations.
Is vehicle branding legal in Nairobi?
Yes, vehicle branding is legal in Nairobi as long as the correct annual county fees are paid and the branding complies with Nairobi County regulations.
How much does a banner cost to display in Nairobi?
Displaying a banner or roll-up in Nairobi typically costs between KES 13,650 and KES 15,000 per fortnight, depending on size and placement.
Who pays Nairobi County advertising fees, the client or the advertiser?
In most cases, the business or brand being advertised is responsible for paying Nairobi County advertising fees, although branding agencies may facilitate payment on the client’s behalf.
What is the cheapest way to advertise legally in Nairobi?
Some of the most affordable legal advertising options in Nairobi include vehicle branding, branded umbrellas, and controlled handbill distribution, depending on campaign duration and reach.
Expert Help with Nairobi County Advertising
If you are searching for who can help you advertise legally in Nairobi or manage Nairobi County advertising permits, Design Hub Ltd provides end-to-end support from strategy and design to approvals, printing, installation, and compliance management.