Uhuru should suspend water bills, rent and electricity bills for businesses

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has requested President Uhuru Kenyatta to suspend payment of water bills, electricity and rent for businesses amid the spread of Coronavirus.

The lawmaker argued that the virus had destabilized many businesses and was bound to bring losses.

He also advised Kenyans to turn to God as they continue observing high levels of personal hygiene.

“It is my Prayer that HE.Uhuru Kenyatta suspends payments of water bills,rent for businesses and Electricity bills as Coronavirus continues to spread and destabilize business across the country.

“Kenyans to Pray for God’s intervention and continue washing their hands to reduce the spread of coronavirus,” he said.

With the panic escalating, local businesses are already feeling the scourge of the Covid-19, even more.

Already, the emergence of the disease in China and the resulting closure of factories and ports had caused tremors in business circles.

Now, even local manufacturers and businessmen are taking their anxiety a notch higher. Trade is taking another body blow as need for safety becomes urgent.

Kenya imports heavily from China, with most traders in textiles and electronics around the city shipping nearly all of their wares from the Asian economic powerhouse.

But also, the country exports most of its horticulture, coffee and tea to Europe, which has some of the hardest-hit cities in France and Italy. Kenya has banned flights from China and Rome, Italy, which is Europe’s epicentre for coronavirus.

The other day, flower exporters were counting losses as they disposed their stock after the lockdown and as things stand, some people might lose their jobs.

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe recently admitted the situation would affect the economy but stated that there were plans in place to mitigate the losses.

"In order to mitigate the losses to the economy, we have considered and found ways to ensure that cargo vessels (ships and aircraft) are allowed in as long as they are disinfected in ports of departure and crews quarantined," he said.