This archive report was first published on 2 November 2019.
Landlord's Rare Move: Reduces Rent for City Traders Amid Economic Downturn ¶
As the economic situation in Kenya continues to deteriorate, a landlord has taken an unprecedented step to support his tenants. Simon Ngugi, the property manager of Muhu Building on Naivasha Road in Dagoreti North, Nairobi, has reduced the monthly rent for tenants by Sh2,000, effective November 1, 2019.
The decision was made in a letter dated October 17, 2019, which was copied to the landlord, John Roki. The letter stated that the reduction was made to retain current tenants and attract new ones due to 'serious business fall.'
According to the letter, the new rent for each unit will be Sh8,000, down from Sh10,000. The move has been met with praise from some Kenyans online, who have lauded the landlord for his generosity.
Others have expressed skepticism, pointing out that the reduction may not be sustainable in the long term. However, for now, the tenants of Muhu Building are enjoying a rare Christmas gift – a reduced rent.
As one Twitter user, @SolomonKarori2, put it, 'Things are so bad until things we never thought of are happening. Rent reduction? epic.'
Another user, @Nzioka_Austins, wrote, 'This is the best landlord…. Akuna haja nyumba zikar empty because you have to get 10k.'
