This archive report was first published on 2 November 2019.
On November 1st, 2019, a Nairobi landlord made headlines after reducing the monthly rent for his tenants at Muhu Building on Naivasha Road in Dagoretti North, Nairobi.
The rent reduction, announced in a letter dated October 17th, 2019, saw tenants pay Sh2,000 less per month, bringing the new rent to Sh8,000.
According to the letter, the decision was made to retain current tenants and attract new ones due to 'serious business fall.'
Simon Ngugi, the property's manager, wrote: 'We have noted a serious business fall in recent months. We, therefore, extend our support to your business by reducing your rent.'
Paul Newton, the building's agent, confirmed the authenticity of the letter, stating that the decision was made after scrutinizing how tenants settled their rent arrears in the last few months.
Newton added that the rent reduction might be revised upwards when the economy improves.
The letter has since gone viral on social media, with some Kenyans praising the landlord for caring about his tenants.
