State issues new rules for Airbnbs, other facilities in the wake of two murders

In the wake of two murders that have shaken the foundations of security in private apartments offering lodging services, Kenyan authorities have tightened their grip on safety measures.

The government on Monday issued new directives following the murder of two women in Airbnbs in the past two weeks, and ordered immediate compliance.

A statement from the Interior ministry says the directives will address the emerging trend of insecurity within residential apartments, particularly those affiliated with online accommodation, lodging, and hospitality platforms such as Airbnb.

The ministry further said it issued the rules "with a view to deterring criminal activities within these premises and to further safeguard the safety of residents and guests".

Below are the detectives;

• At the entry of any premises or property within the jurisdiction and care of a private security service provider, a security guard or a security officer, the private security service provider, security guard or officer shall require a person to identify themselves, register the time of entrance and exit of the person and retain temporarily the identification document of such person.
• Ensure that the identification details of all individuals accessing such premises are recorded in a register in an accurate and timely manner, documenting the time of entry and exit for each person.
• Maintain a current and accurate log of all vehicles, rickshaws, and motorcycles entering and/or departing from the facilities within the jurisdiction of a private security service provider;
• Maintain a register of all private security officers providing private security services in residential apartments, lodging, and hospitality premises for both day and night shift.
• Ensure that the CCTV and security cameras are in proper working condition and recording of footage is up-to-date.
• Maintain an updated Access Control Policy; a copy of which should be strategically displayed at the point of entry and exit at the guarded premises.
• Maintain a security occurrence book to record daily significant incidents and notable events relating to the safety of residents and guests within the premises.

The statement further noted that the identification documents surrendered at the point of entry shall be returned at the point of exit, shall not be used for any other purpose save for identification, and shall be kept in safe custody until they are surrendered to the owner.

The regulations were informed by the Private Security Regulation Act.

“A private security service provider who violates Section 48 of the Act, uses the identification documents/details surrendered by individuals at the entry of any premises or property for any other purpose save for identification, and/or willfully fails to comply with this directive, commits an offence and shall in addition to cancellation of license, be liable on conviction to the penalty prescribed under the aforementioned Act or any other written law whichever is higher,” the ministry said.

These directives follow the brutal murder of Scarlet Wahu in an Airbnb apartment in South B, on January 3, 2024 and another unidentified woman in a Roysambu Airbnb on January 14, 2024.