Nairobi — Nairobi County has issued a 10-day ultimatum to advertising agencies to clear pending arrears owed to the devolved unit.

The County Finance and Planning Department said tough penalties will be applied on firms that fail to comply with the order.

Clearance notice comes after an audit revealed arrears amounting to over Sh24 million as at August 31, and more than Sh400 million as at November, 2022.

"The amount due for payment as of August 31, 2022 is an arrear of Ksh.24, 912, 585," the county's CEC planning and finance Larry Wambua said.

"After going through our records, we have realized that outdoor advertising companies owe the county more than 400 million that is outstanding for their various infrastructure on our roads and in our properties, we have given them 10 days to clear the outstanding amount," he stated.

After the 10-day lapses, the devolved unit said it will pull down advertising boards whose owners will have failed to pay.

"We all recognize 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 said.

The county government relies on such resources to offer Nairobians efficient services.