The tyranny of good will payments

Recently, 66 shops at Jamia Mall in Nairobi's central business district (CBD) closed after the owners protested the "high good will" amount demanded by the landlord. The tenants of the mall, which majorly houses electronic shops, eateries, boutiques, said the landlord was demanding Sh1.25 million to renew their leases.

Media reports said the management of the mall had initially demanded a Sh1.8 million goodwill, but later reduced it to Sh1.25 million after the tenants complained.