Rent defaulters in Kisii town market stalls have asked the government to extend the deadline of clearing the debts they owe the government.
The county government through the housing department had given an ultimatum of seven days for the tenants to clear their arrears or have their goods seized. The notice expires on Thursday.
In the notice dated 30th April 2015, it indicated that 26 debtors had not paid the arrears amounting to Sh. 50,400.
According to the notice, the highest debtor is Grace Nyanchama who owes the housing department Sh. 5,500 while the lowest debtor is Agnes Aboko with a debt of sh. 650.
The notice read in part, “The notice is hereby given to you to clear your outstanding rent within a period of seven days effect from 30th April 2015, failure to comply, the tenancy will be terminated without any further notice.”
However, the alleged debtors demanded to be given more time so that they can remit their debts they owe the government.
“I ask the government to give us one more month so that we can solicit for money and pay off the arrears,” Joseph Kerandi, a debtor suggested, adding that the duration given was not enough to enable them clear their debts.
Though, another debtor argued that the some amounts were not legitimate and therefore asked the housing department to review the arrears they are owed by the debtors.
“I know I owe the housing department Sh. 800 but in the notice they have indicated that my debt is Sh. 3,520. I ask them to review and have right figures because we suspect they want to steal from us,” Josephine Okemwa, business lady at market stall demanded.