Kenyan ‘Landlord from Heaven’ Gives Tenants 2-Month Rent Break Due to Coronavirus

A Kenyan landlord has won the hearts of many people after he asked his tenants not to pay rent for the next two months due to the coronavirus outbreak.

In a notice to his tenants, Michael Munene, who owns residential and commercial houses in Nyandarua County, said he had waived rent for two months due to the economic challenges presented by the epidemic.

“Due to the economic challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic, we want to inform you that you have been exempted from paying rent for two months,” the notice written in Kikuyu reads.

In a phone interview with Citizen TV on Saturday, Munene said it is prudent to stand with his tenants during this trying time since they have been loyal for long.

“They have stayed in the houses for a long time and have been very cooperative in paying the rent. If the government was to order for a curfew due to the pandemic, where will the tenants get money to pay for rent?” 

“We are all struggling to stay alive. All we should be focused on right now is food. I have written letters to all my tenants and signed the agreement with them that they should not pay rent for two months,” said Munene.

Munene says that his building comprises 28 residential housing units and a number of commercial houses – with each of the 28 tenants pay Sh3,000 in rent each month, while those occupying commercial units pay Sh6,000.

 “We are very happy because our landlord has waived our two months’ rent and I would want to request other landlords to do the same,” one of the tenants said.

Kenyans online have urged their landlords to follow the example of Munene, who has been labeled “landlord from heaven.”

“I hope my landlord is watching this. I have been one of his tenants for the last 5 years,” Mercy Chirchir said.

“God bless you Mukuru Munene, such sacrifice is not easy. Not even to mentionable Kenyans billionaires,” Willie Bin wrote.

“My landlord is such a good one… he’ll copy what his colleague has done, ” Osoro said.