Don't Disconnect Kenyans Over Unpaid Bills - Uhuru to Kenya Power

President Uhuru Kenyatta addressing the nation from State House Nairobi on April 6, 2020.
President Uhuru Kenyatta addressing the nation from State House Nairobi on April 6, 2020.
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President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday, April 7, asked Kenya Power to go easy on Kenyans and keep the lights on, despite any outstanding bills.

"I have also requested the Kenya Power and Lighting Company not to disconnect power to those who are unable to pay but rather understand the situation we are in,” the President stated.

The Head of State was speaking during an interview conducted by journalists Gatonye Mbugua (Kameme FM), Jeff Kuria (Innoro FM) and Karanja wa Kamau (Coro FM), that was held at State House Nairobi.

President Uhuru Kenyatta (Blue & White checked shirt) pictured during his radio interview at State House Nairobi on April 7, 2020.
President Uhuru Kenyatta (Blue & White checked shirt) pictured during his radio interview at State House Nairobi on April 7, 2020.
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In his efforts to see that Kenyans were cushioned from the harsh economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the president urged landlords to be considerate of tenants who were currently not working and had no means to raise their monthly rent.

"If someone has for years been your tenant and has never failed to pay rent, it’s only logical that you reciprocate at this difficult time. This is a time for compassion and understanding,” he explained.

The president was quick to commend property owners who had come out to support measures taken by the government by waiving and/or reducing monthly rent to lessen the cost burden on Kenyans.

“I highly appreciate what some of our property owners are doing. Indeed we need to work together and understand each other," he reiterated.

The Jubilee party leader then turned his attention to his recent appointee, Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) boss Major General Mohamed Badi, and directed him to ensure that all residents within the county had access to clean water.

“This pandemic requires us to stick to the highest hygiene standards hence, I have asked the Nairobi Metropolitan service to ensure all residents of Nairobi access clean water. They should stop water vendors from selling this commodity," he stated.

President Uhuru also used the platform offered by the interview to assure the nation that the measures taken by his government were in no way intended to oppress Kenyans but rather protect them from the deadly Coronavirus.

In addition, he also announced that those who had valid reasons such as doctor's appointments in Nairobi or of the counties he had declared as high-risk, before ordering a 21-day cessation of movement, would be facilitated to do so if it is absolutely necessary.

“We need to learn from others even as we continue bracing ourselves for any eventuality,” the President remarked.

President Uhuru Kenyatta (Left) having fun with radio presenters during his interview at State House Nairobi on April 7, 2020.
President Uhuru Kenyatta (Left) having fun with radio presenters during his interview at State House Nairobi on April 7, 2020.
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