A Kenyan landlord in Kinangop Nyandarua County has been
commended by netizens online after waiving two months' rent for both his
residential and commercial units over Coronavirus(COVID-19) in the country.
Speaking to Citizen, Michael Munene said that he understands
the economic situation since the pandemic hit the country; that's why he
decided that his tenants won't pay rent for two months, March and April.
Mr Munene has 28 residential houses that he charges Sh3,000
each and six commercial units that he rents out for Sh5,000 a month.
"When Coronavirus came to Kenya, life became
unbearable, and some of them could not afford to raise the rent early enough
resorting to borrowing, that's why I have decided not to charge them for the
next two months," said Munene.
The landlord added that he agreed with those who could pay
the rent to do so by the 10th of the month instead of 7th.
"My tenants are usually very loyal, and most of them
settle their rent on time. I reflected on the current situation, and told
myself: 'Even if none [of my tenants] has ever absconded paying house rent, I
understand that the coronavirus outbreak could make it difficult for some to
raise the rent on time'. I wouldn't want a situation where any of my tenants
takes a loan to settle house rent," he added.
Munene's decision comes days after the government asked
businesses and companies to allow their employees to work from home or other go
on unpaid leave over the pandemic.
His kind gestures attracted a lot of attention from the
online fraternity, with most Kenyans congratulating his while come asked for
other landlords to do the same.
Samba Paul says, "Michael Munene the Landlord from
Nyandarua God bless you abundantly for the good gesture. Nairobi landlords
should follow suit.."
His sentiments were echoed by Mickreen Adhiambo, who says,
"The best definition of humanity is in that landlord from Nyandarua Michael
Munene. Waiving his tenants' two months' rent, understanding the economic
challenges coming with #coronavirusinKenya may he be immensely blessed."
Josh Moch added, "It's good to know that within all
this pandemic, there are still people with pure hearts helping the less
privileged."
On Wednesday, March 18, Gatundu South Member of Parliament
Moses Kuria said he was disappointed that no one has appealed to landlords on
rent as the number of coronaviruses (COVID-19) in the country continue to rise.
The legislator took to his Facebook page to lament on the
issue minutes after Central Bank of Kenya Governor Patrick Njoroge stated the
measures that will be applied to shield the economy from the pandemic.
"Very disappointed that CBK Governor has not deemed it
fit to lower CBR or cut the CRR. Let's hope the MPC is meeting this afternoon
for the same."
"Equally disappointed no one appealed to landlords to be more understanding and accommodating in these extraordinary times. Anyway, God is mightier than Corona Virus," said Moses Kuria.
