Nairobi MCAs seek tighter licensing control for Airbnbs to protect guests

Short-term rentals including Airbnbs in Nairobi will soon be required to undergo an assessment by City Hall before getting their licenses after Nairobi MCAs passed a motion seeking to have the executive regulate the establishments.

On Tuesday evening, the MCAs passed a motion calling for tighter regulations on the establishments.

The new rules will require the installation of CCTV cameras and a more thorough assessment before licensing.

Nominated MCA Perpetua Mponjiwa, who moved the motion, said they sought to have the negative reputation of Airbnbs that has plagued the sector addressed, especially following recent violent incidents in short-term rental properties.

She said the motion was motivated by the lack of detailed information about those involved in these crimes and the need for stricter regulation to protect guests.

"I'm concerned that Airbnb properties, which were originally designed for family vacations and accommodations similar to hotels, are being exploited for criminal activities and parties amongst other vices," Mponjiwa said.

The motion also specifies that while CCTV cameras will be required, they will not invade guests' privacy.

"The CCTV cameras will only serve their purpose during investigations to identify criminal perpetrators," the MCA said.

She added that unregulated short-term rentals are putting young women, particularly college and university students, at significant risk.

This move comes as the Ministry of Tourism is working on a nationwide framework to regulate short-term rentals.

By approving the motion, the assembly has called on Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration to expedite collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism to establish comprehensive rules for the licensing and management of these properties.

While supporting the motion, Nominated MCA Diana Katile Mwangangi criticised the delayed regulation of the short-term rentals.

"The target of criminals started with women, but very soon it will proceed to another category of individuals, and we might not be able to control it if we do not regulate it now," she said.

Kitisuru MCA Alvin Olando said that cameras should not be installed inside bedrooms.

"I support this motion but they should ensure that if CCTV is put in Airbnbs, they are not put inside the bedroom," he said.

Majority Whip Moses Ogeto emphasised that these regulations will restore trust among tourists and families who use these services.

At the beginning of this year, the Airbnb business was marred with chaos and deaths.

In just 14 days into the year, two deaths were reported to have occurred in Airbnbs around the city.

In January, two murder cases were reported to have happened in Airbnbs.

The body of a 24-year-old woman was found stuffed in a paper bag on Thika Road. The woman was allegedly killed in an apartment on TRM Drive near Roysambu.

"Regulating the sector will put confidence in not only the tourists but also families who usually seek such services," he said.

Nairobi will now join Kisumu County, which earlier this year implemented a licensing system for Airbnbs requiring annual renewals based on inspections.

During her vetting, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said she would ensure the transformation of the Airbnb space, arguing that it is lagging compared to other countries.

"When I look at the Airbnbs, we are lagging as a country, as a region. We are trying to catch up, trying to avoid and manoeuvre issues that come up," she said.