Adopt-A-Light cites unfair treatment

By Wahome Thuku

Advertising company Adopt-a-Light has expressed fears it could close down due to alleged unfair business competition and court cases.

The company, established by businesswoman Esther Passaris had sunk deep into financial crisis after the Nairobi City Council (NCC) violated an advertising deal signed in 2002, a court heard.

Its lawyer Kiragu Kimani told the Court of Appeal that the company was struggling with many court cases and could grind to a halt.

Mr Kimani accused NCC, Outdoor Advertising Association and rivals Magnate Ventures of using the courts to destroy his client’s multi-million-shilling investment.

He said Magnate Ventures and the association had stopped arbitration proceedings in which the company was claiming more than Sh800 million as losses incurred under the contract.

Don’t blame us

But lawyer Nelson Havi representing Magnate and the association exonerated his clients saying Adopt-a-Light could not blame them for its predicaments.

He said his clients were challenging the contract as being illegal.

Adopt-a-Light signed the lucrative contract with City Hall in March 2002.

Under the agreement, the firm was to set up billboards and carry out exclusive advertising business on highways and prime streets in Nairobi.

It was also to be in charge of all advertising revenue collection and lighting of those streets.

The court will deliver a ruling on July 31.