This archive report was first published on 20 May 2020.
Published on May 20, 2020, a survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) revealed that 30.5 percent of Kenyans could not pay their monthly rent in April.
Of those unable to meet their rental obligations, 21.5 percent had managed to pay on time before the pandemic struck.
The main reasons cited for the inability to pay rent were reduced income (52.9 percent) and temporary job losses (22.4 percent).
Other contributing factors included unemployment (13.9 percent) and delayed income receipt (9.1 percent).
Only 59.8 percent of Kenyans were able to meet their rental payments as agreed with landlords during the month.
However, some households were cushioned against the income devastation, with 8.7 percent reporting a waiver or relief from landlords.
Transport costs also skyrocketed by 51.7 percent on most frequent routes, with Migori County experiencing the steepest rise at 77.2 percent.
