This archive report was first published on 7 July 2021.
Published on July 7, 2021, a shocking exposé revealed the harsh realities faced by tenants in Kileleshwa's Viraj Estate. The estate, comprising approximately 1,500 units on Mombasa Road and 1,000 units in Kileleshwa, collects a staggering Ksh. 200 million in cash each month.
However, this cash collection method has led to a series of security concerns. Tenants have reported cases of muggings when attempting to pay rent, and a visit to the estate's office location revealed a solitary and poorly maintained alleyway, perfect for potential attackers.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for social distancing measures. Tenants had requested the option to pay rent via account, but their pleas fell on deaf ears.
Moreover, the cash collection method raises concerns about tax evasion. As there is no structured accounting system in place, it becomes challenging to track and report rent payments to the relevant authorities. A previous expose by tenants and bloggers had brought this issue to light, but the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) failed to take action.
The Indian owners of the estate, Viju Patel and his family, have been accused of treating tenants with contempt. Despite selling some units, they have failed to maintain the common areas, leading to a decline in property values. Units that were previously sold for Ksh. 17 million are now worth only Ksh. 12 million due to the poor management of the estate.
The patriarch, Viju Patel, has since split the estate among his children, with his son Vijay Patel taking charge of the Kileleshwa units. However, his wife Jyoti has been left in charge of the estate's management, and her poor leadership has led to the estate's decline.
Efforts to reach Vijay and Jyoti for comment were unsuccessful, but it is clear that the once-thriving Viraj Estate has become a shadow of its former self.
