- Association asked landlords across the country to offer tenants rent relief for the next three months.
- But Kitui MCAs say the current economic constraints are hard on everyone.
Image: LINAH MUSANGI
The call by residents and tenants to landlords to waive rent due to the economic impacts of Covid-19 is unrealistic, Kitui MCAs have said.
The concerns were raised after a landlord in Nyandarua county warmed hearts of Kenyans by waiving house rent for his tenants in the wake of Covid-19.
The Landlords and Tenants Association of Kenya on Wednesday asked landlords across the country to offer tenants rent relief for the next three months.
However, the proposal has not been received very well by MCAs say the current economic constraints are hard on everyone.
Majority leader Mwikya Kilonzo said most landlords acquired their properties on loans they are still on service. He said the matter should be a personal decision.
“Kenya Revenue Authority is still collecting 10 per cent domestic taxes on the properties. KPLC and water suppliers are also charging their services,” the Athi MCA said.
Kilonzo proposed that if Covid-19 cases continue to increase, people should consider vacating rental houses and retire to their villages till normalcy resumes.
Migwani’s Philip Nguli said landlords too have been affected by the pandemic as most of them are still settling loans.
The ward rep said waivers should be well thought and coordinated to benefit Kenyans in all sectors.
“If one sector is affected, it has repercussions on the other sectors and it's got to be an inter-sectoral program for all,” Nguli said.
Kyome/Thaana MCA Alex Wambua said that although the idea was aimed at cushioning Kenyans during this time of fighting the Covid-19 outbreak, residents ought to understand that private businesses have limitations.
“As much as the idea is worth smiling at, there are extremes landlords cannot go to,” Wambua said.
However, Kitui’s majority whip Stephen Makau said the government should work closely with landlords and cushion them so as to pass the benefits to tenants.
“The government should ensure that everyone is well taken care of during this time of the pandemic as most Kenyans live from hand to mouth,” the Kyuso MCA said.
Mumoni MCA Johnson Kanandu said everyone should be brother’s keeper during this crisis.
“The government should consider waiving tenancy tax for a certain period of time,” he said.
Kanziku ward rep James Munuve said landlords should help the government in the fight against Covid-19.
“The landlords also need money to settle loans and for their upkeep,” he said.
Edited by Henry Makori