Kenyan embassy in S. Sudan faces eviction over unpaid rent arrears

October 13, 2011 (JUBA/NAIROBI) — Officials at the Kenyan embassy in South Sudan are at the verge of being evicted from the premise they occupy over allegations linked to breach of the tenancy agreement and unpaid rent arrears, Sudan Tribune understands.

According to a copy of the tenancy of the agreement dated 27 October 2009, the embassy was meant to occupy the premises over a three-year period. The lease came into effected on November 10, 2009. The rent, the document stipulates, was to be payable after every six months, with a 10 percent increment after a year.

However, from the time this agreement was signed, the landlady, who preferred anonymity, acknowledged that the rent had been forthcoming, “but with a lot inconvenience from the tenant and the tenant has absolutely failed in observing the clause of the agreement in regard to prompt payment.”

For instance, the she presented documents clearly showing that the Kenyan embassy has defaulted on payments over a four month period, and that senior officials at the embassy often exhibit total disrespect to her, contrary to provisions within the tenancy agreement.

“The tenant has also failed and has showed no interest in organising a meeting with the landlady in regard to discussing matters that pertain to the tenancy,” party reads a September 30 letter issued by her lawyer.

It adds, “We therefore on behalf of our client notify the tenant that the landlady hereby terminates the tenancy and we have advised her to issue a ninety (90) notice as per the provisions of the tenancy agreement in regard to termination to expire on the 30th.12. 2011.”

John Masinde, an accountant at the embassy was unavailable for a comment as he was reportedly away in Nairobi on leave, while repeated attempts to reach Leshore Cleland, the Kenyan ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan proved unsuccessful.

Another senior embassy official, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter, acknowledged the ongoing woes, but said the information in the public domain was partly correct.

“All I can say is that the information you have regarding the embassy is 50 percent correct and the rest is over exaggerated to suit some people’s interests,” he said.

Meanwhile, the embassy, according to the termination notice, had until 5 October 2011 to pay all outstanding rent arrears and also restore the building as clearly stipulated in the tenancy agreement, signed two years ago.

The embassy, which was formerly known as the Kenyan consulate was established in February 2006 to provide consular services to Kenyans in Southern Sudan. It was later transformed into an embassy soon after South Sudan attained its full independence on July 9.

(ST)