Court Bans Politicians From Branding Public Projects With Their Names

The High Court in Kajiado has ruled that politicians who brand public projects with their personal names, images, or slogans violate Kenya’s national values and constitutional principles of governance.

The benchmark decision stems from a public interest lawsuit filed by lawyer Shadrack Wambui on behalf of the advocacy group Sheria Mtaani against Kajiado North Member of Parliament Onesmus Ngogoyo. The petition accused the lawmaker of converting taxpayer-funded infrastructure, including public roads, schools, and dispensaries, into personal political billboards.

Wambui argued before the court that using state resources for political self-promotion actively undermines public accountability, electoral integrity, and fair competition. The petition highlighted that several projects bearing the MP’s branding actually began before Ngogoyo took office, falsely attributing long-standing public developments to an individual politician.

Relying on these constitutional arguments, the High Court issued a formal declaration confirming that any personal branding on projects financed through public funds breaches Kenya’s governing values. Additionally, the court ordered the immediate removal of all personal name branding from publicly funded projects across the Kajiado North constituency.

Burden of Proof Regarding the MP

While the court outlawed the practice and ordered the signage removed, it stopped short of penalizing the lawmaker directly. The judge noted that the petitioner failed to present conclusive evidence showing that Ngogoyo directly authorized the physical installation of the materials.

“I am not satisfied that the petitioner has discharged the burden of proof that he, whether by himself or through his agents or servants, allowed the signage to be put on taxpayer-funded projects,” the court stated.

Despite clearing the MP of personal liability, the court’s broader declaration sets a firm judicial precedent against the widespread practice of Kenyan public officials branding community developments with their names and political slogans.

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