The government has directed all operators of short-term accommodation rentals, including those under Airbnb, to register with the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA).
In a joint statement by PSs Raymond Omollo (Interior), Anne Wang'ombe (Affirmative Action), Beatrice Inyangala (Higher Education and Research) and John Ololtuaa (Tourism), the government said the process is designed to ensure that all accommodations meet the highest standards of safety and security for guests.
The directive follows a series of murders which have happened inside short-stay accommodations in Kenya in the recent past, mainly targeted at women.
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"In light of the recent disturbing murder incidents in short-term accommodations, prioritizing and enforcing existing regulations is a critical step in addressing and mitigating these concerning occurrences. Effective immediately, all operators of short-term accommodation rentals, including Airbnbs, are required to register with the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA)," the statement read in part.
The government has directed National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), in collaboration with the TRA, to commence inspections of all registered properties from February 5, 2024.
"We will subsequently coordinate with booking platforms to restrict unregistered rentals and further institute severe penalties, including fines and revocation in cases of non-compliance," the statement added.
"Resident Associations are encouraged to work closely with law enforcement agencies for effective enforcement. This includes sharing information, joint inspections, and coordinated responses to any safety standard violations."
The Private Security Regulatory Authority has also issued safety protocols for security officers manning all short-term accommodation rentals.
In the new protocols, security guards are now legally mandated to record the identification details of all individuals entering these premises, documenting their time of entry and exit; and temporarily retain all visitors' identification documents.
CCTV to be installed in Airbnbs
The measures mandate the installation of CCTV surveillance systems, ensuring that the recording of footage remains consistently up-to-date.
"This initiative underscores our commitment to safeguarding the well-being of individuals using these services. We urge all stakeholders in the short-term rental sector to adhere to these regulations, recognizing their legal and moral responsibility in ensuring a safe environment for all individuals regardless of gender," the statement added.
The government has also called for increased public awareness and action to address the global issue of violence against women.
"It's crucial that stakeholders at all levels — Government, community, individuals and international actors —collaborate to create a safer environment for women and hold perpetrators accountable," the statement added.
The government has also announced that the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has formed a dedicated team to tackle cases of femicide.
