Betty Kyallo counts losses after closing business over Covid-19, sends plea to the government

In the wake of the novel Coronavirus, government has instructed that business and any other ventures that are not critically essential as the country grapples to contain the virus, should be shut indefinitely.

This has roped in businesses like salons, the gym, a couple of organizations asking employees to work from home as well as learning institutions at large.

K24 journalist, Betty Kyallo, who doubles up as an entrepreneur was forced to close down shop as per the Government’s directive until the notice is lifted.

Flair by Betty is a boutique salon that offers hair, beauty, spa and barber services and is located at FCB Mihrab building, Lenana road, Kilimani.

Her public announcement to her clients read:

It is indeed a difficult time for our beautiful country, continent and the world but we pray and hope for the best in the coming days. I believe that the health and well-being of our clients and staff is supreme and should be jealously guarded and with that in mind, we have decided to suspend operations as per Government guidance until we get clearance that business can continue as usual.

Closing off:

We value you and are with you at heart.

Best wishes and positive thoughts.

Fate

However, while having the interests of her clients at heart, she is worried about her business, having in mind rent and taxes will need to get paid as agreed.

I have decided to suspend services at Flair and it is because I completely understand the danger we all are in and I appreciate that we all have a responsibility as much as we are all going to be affected, I cannot even imagine how it will be without opening the salon.

While emphasizing on the importance of staying safe and staying at home, while hoping that the crisis ends soonest possible.

There is a bigger responsibility, we need to look at and appreciate our clients we hope this thing goes away soon. But most importantly we should stay safe. Stay at home. Do the right thing. It is rough. This thing is bigger than us, we need our health, it is bigger than the money we can get from our businesses.

Betty however pleads with the government to consider businesses and with the losses they are counting – issues like rent and taxes.

I hope that the government is also going to support businesses and people who rely on day to day casual jobs to make a living. I pray they can look into this like other countries have done because it is important not to forget that people make a living every day. They make money every day 500 bob, 200 bob, 1000 bob, to be able to feed their family.

Her worry lies more with casual business people who rely on income on a daily basis and nothing like a paycheque at the end of the month.

I hope the government is also going to consider that we are not making any money, to pay rent and tax and all these things… Therefore, I pray there is a bigger plan by government to help businesses and also help the day-to-day people who rely on day-to-day movement to make a living. It is very important for them to think about us, more than ever. Right now.

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