Watch out: Spitting, prostitution to attract Sh10,000 fine

You will be charged Sh10,000 or face six months in jail if found spitting on a footpath or living on the earnings of prostitution. 

Smoking is banned in public, so is touting for passengers and letting your dog foul the pavement. And don't blow your nose on the footpath.

Nairobi Deputy Governor Ann Kananu on Friday signed into law the Nairobi City County Public Nuisance Bill 2020 passed by the county assembly.

The raft of regulations has already taken effect.

Prostitution is not criminalised under national law, however, municipal by-laws may prohibit it.

The new regulations also ban urinating and defaecating in public, lighting fires on a road or footpath, as during a demonstration, without authorisation.

The same punishment applies, a possible Sh10,000 fine and or six months in jail.

Kananu, who is also the acting governor, on Monday said the new rules and regulations are aimed at keeping Nairobi clean.

"Nairobi is the face of Kenya. We all need a clean and hygienic environment to live and work in," she added.

She urged Nairobi residents to familiarise themselves with the new regulations to avoid being caught.

The Bill's sponsor, Riruta MCA James Kiriba, said the new laws replace the Nairobi City Council by-laws overtaken by events following devolution.

"The objective is to control public nuisances and empower the county to take all lawful necessary and reasonable measures to abate and prevent nuisances," the Act reads.

Another office is living or sleeping in a kitchen or room where food is prepared or stored for sale. It will attract a fine not exceeding Sh50,000, a six-month jail term or both.

In case of a subsequent offence, the offender can be fined as much as Sh100,000, imprisoned for six months or both. 

Also banned are washing, dismantling or repairing a vehicle in the Central Business District, except in an emergency.

Noisy Hawking, selling, distributing or advertising any article or event on any public road or street is banned. 

Shouting or using a bell, loudspeaker or other noisy instrument or driving a vehicle for the purpose of exhibiting advertisements is prohibited.

Keeping animals or poultry deemed a nuisance by neighbours is banned within the city-county.

Also prohibited is allowing a hedge, tree or other growth to encroach upon, obstruct or cause danger to pedestrians or vehicles. Obstructing a view is also banned.

(Edited by V. Graham)