This archive report was first published on 22 April 2020.
With the COVID-19 pandemic now in its 40th day, Kenya's economy is facing unprecedented challenges. The informal sector, which accounts for 70% of the workforce, has been severely impacted, with many people losing their jobs or seeing their salaries slashed.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus could push underdeveloped countries like Kenya into deeper poverty and depression. In Nairobi and other major towns, rent has become a major concern, with many landlords threatening tenants with eviction over unpaid dues.
On Wednesday, President Uhuru Kenyatta weighed in on the rent waiver debate, urging landlords to be humane and consider relief for tenants. However, this leaves struggling tenants at the mercy of their landlords, with some suggesting that the two parties could reach an agreement to postpone bills and pay later when things return to normal.
A bill in the senate to address the issue of debt and provide economic cushions is still pending. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the growing crisis.
