Government Cannot Compel Landlords to Waive Rent, Uhuru Says

President Kenyatta has responded to calls for the government to compel landlords to waiver rent charges for their tenants during the Covid-19 crisis.

Kenyatta, in an interview with Swahili FM stations at State House on Wednesday, said he does not have the powers to make such directives, and doing so would amount to overstepping the government’s mandate on private properties. 

Uhuru called on property owners to be kind to their tenants during the pandemic.

"These are tough times or all Kenyans. There many landlords who have refused to chase away tenants during this crisis. As humans, let us show mercy and be understanding during this time," he noted.

He added that Kenyans will continue to enjoy water and electricity services during the Covid-19 crisis even if they have not paid their bills.
 
In addition, Uhuru said vulnerable families will receive a weekly stipend from the government to cushion them from the negative effects of the pandemic on the economy. Already, poor families in Nairobi have started receiving the allowance and the program will be extended to other counties in the coming days.

Nairobi Senator Johnstone Sakaja has drafted a bill that seeks to exempt Kenyans from paying rent and utility bills as well as servicing loans during pandemics such as Covid-19.

“The Bill seeks to provide measures to mitigate against the effects of the pandemic and provide a mechanism to cushion those that may be adversely affected,” the Pandemic Response and Management Bill, 2020, states in part.

The bill notes that during pandemics, tenants should write to their landlords informing them of their inability to meet pay rent.

“Upon receipt of a notice, the contracting parties shall enter into an agreement on how the tenant shall meet their obligation at the end of the pandemic”