Radio host and actress Jacquey Nyaminde, widely known as Wilbroda, says tenants are growing frustrated as many landlords refuse to return their deposits, a problem she says has reached a tipping point in Kenya.
She highlighted that moving out is already a stressful process, but the hardest part for tenants is getting their deposit back from landlords who often find excuses not to return it.
“Kuna muda inafika na wewe kama binadamu unakua umechoka. Unaweza kusukuma mtu tu mpaka kiasi fulani. Kuna mahali mtu anafika anasema, “You know what, enough is enough,” Wilbroda said on the radio on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
She added that this is where many Kenyans are now, fed up with unfair practices.
She warned landlords that a new trend is emerging among tenants, urging them to follow rental laws and regulations.
“Na mimi nataka kuambia ma landlord, ya kwamba kuna trend fulani ambayo imeanza. Na kama unataka amani, wewe fuata sheria za landlord na mambo ya ukodeshaji wa nyumba,” she said.
Challenges with deposits
Wilbroda shared stories of tenants who face extreme difficulties reclaiming their deposits. She explained that even the physical act of moving out, which involves packing belongings and arranging transport, is challenging.
“Nimepata story mbili ya tenants. Ambayo ile wakati wa kuhama hakuna kitu kibaya kama kurudishiwa deposit. It is one of the hardest tasks,” she said.
According to Wilbroda, many landlords will never willingly return deposits, often citing reasons to keep the money.
“Wachana hata na ya kutafuta lorry na kuhamisha vitu zako kwa box. Hizo zote ni ngumu, lakini sasa ile ngumu zaidi ni kupigia landlord niaje, nirudishie deposit yangu,” she said.
She stressed that tenants are learning to stand their ground and demand what they are owed. Wilbroda urged both landlords and tenants to respect the rules to avoid conflicts.
She said that following rental laws benefits everyone and prevents unnecessary disputes.
“A lot of landlords will never give you that deposit. Atatafuta sababu ya kutokurudishia deposit yako,” she said, explaining that proper compliance is the only way to maintain peace and fairness in rental agreements.
