Posted on Nov 6, 2025
In September 2024, tenants at Nanak House, a commercial property in Nairobi, were confronted with sudden and alarming changes from their landlord. After more than 20 years of consistent tenancy, they were abruptly instructed to pay rent to an unfamiliar individual (Kenya Today, 2025). This triggered fears of fraud and uncertainty about who truly held ownership.
What followed shocked many:
Utility disconnections: The landlord allegedly ordered the disconnection of electricity and water to force compliance. Kenya Power later arrested the caretaker for unauthorized disconnections (Kenya Today, 2025).
Exorbitant demands: Tenants were asked to pay Ksh 600,000 in rent per month, a drastic increase, and an additional Ksh 15 million goodwill fee (Kenya Today, 2025).
Ignored court orders: Despite a Milimani Commercial Court injunction maintaining status quo, the landlord’s agents blocked tenants from accessing their premises, even barricading the entrance with stones (Kenya Today, 2025).
The case further intensified with speculation that the presiding magistrate may have accepted a Ksh 1.5 million bribe, though no concrete evidence has been confirmed (Kenya Today, 2025). Moreover, tenants had earlier reached a consent order with the landlord in December 2024, but the matter was later reopened at the tribunal, raising questions of bias and systemic weaknesses.
This tribunal dispute drew national attention because it highlighted:
The use of harassment tactics like utility cut-offs and physical blockades.
The blatant disregard of court orders, undermining the rule of law.
The erosion of trust in tribunals due to alleged corruption.
The power imbalance between landlords and tenants, even when legal safeguards exist.
The Nanak House crisis underscores the fragility of tenant protections in Kenya. When legal safeguards fail, both landlords and tenants lose trust in the system. It also highlights the need for transparent record-keeping, automated rent collection, and structured communication tools to reduce disputes before they reach the tribunal stage.
Kenya Today. (2025, March 20). Nanak House crisis: Landlord ignites fierce legal battle with tenants amid allegations of harassment and corruption. Kenya Today.
Posted on Nov 6, 2025
