Key Updates from Kenya
- The Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) in Kenya has registered over 8,000 Airbnbs as part of a broader crackdown on unregistered operators and to standardize safety and quality across the sector. The TRA is collaborating with platforms like Airbnb to ensure all short-term rentals are registered, meeting compliance and safety standards.
- Nairobi County recently passed a motion to establish local regulations for short-term rentals, including Airbnbs. Proposed measures involve mandatory CCTV installation (excluding bedrooms) and more rigorous facility assessments before licensing, in an effort to improve security and address concerns after reported crimes in some properties.
- At the national level, the government rolled out tough new Airbnb regulations earlier this year requiring all operators to register with the TRA. Inspections and enforcement are ongoing, with unregistered properties facing significant penalties and restrictions on listing platforms. These regulations are part of efforts to improve guest safety and raise standards in the burgeoning sector.
- Kisumu County already has annual renewable licensing and inspection procedures for short-term rental operators, signaling a broader trend of county-level oversight.
Developments in East Africa
- Short-term rental returns continue to be attractive in destinations like Zanzibar, with monthly Airbnb incomes for prime beach locations ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 in peak seasons. However, operators in Zanzibar must comply with evolving local licensing, guest registration, and tourism authority rules, with authorities emphasizing the need for up-to-date compliance due to regulatory changes.
- Across East Africa, economic growth and increased business travel are driving demand for short-term rentals, particularly in urban centers like Nairobi, now recognized as Africa's top business travel destination. Properties offering flexible, digitally managed stays and high guest ratings are leading the market.
Global Industry Highlights
- At the 2025 Urban Living Festival, industry leaders emphasized the growing importance of seamless technology, system integration, and digital-first experiences for both leisure and business travelers. Operators using platforms like Guesty and leveraging smart dynamic pricing are seeing more bookings, Key Updates from Kenya
- The Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) in Kenya has registered over 8,000 Airbnbs as part of a broader crackdown on unregistered operators and to standardize safety and quality across the sector. The TRA is collaborating with platforms like Airbnb to ensure all short-term rentals are registered, meeting compliance and safety standards.
- Nairobi County recently passed a motion to establish local regulations for short-term rentals, including Airbnbs. Proposed measures involve mandatory CCTV installation (excluding bedrooms) and more rigorous facility assessments before licensing, in an effort to improve security and address concerns after reported crimes in some properties.
- At the national level, the government rolled out tough new Airbnb regulations earlier this year requiring all operators to register with the TRA. Inspections and enforcement are ongoing, with unregistered properties facing significant penalties and restrictions on listing platforms. These regulations are part of efforts to improve guest safety and raise standards in the burgeoning sector.
- Kisumu County already has annual renewable licensing and inspection procedures for short-term rental operators, signaling a broader trend of county-level oversight.
Developments in East Africa
- Short-term rental returns continue to be attractive in destinations like Zanzibar, with monthly Airbnb incomes for prime beach locations ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 in peak seasons. However, operators in Zanzibar must comply with evolving local licensing, guest registration, and tourism authority rules, with authorities emphasizing the need for up-to-date compliance due to regulatory changes.
- Across East Africa, economic growth and increased business travel are driving demand for short-term rentals, particularly in urban centers like Nairobi, now recognized as Africa's top business travel destination. Properties offering flexible, digitally managed stays and high guest ratings are leading the market.
Global Industry Highlights
- At the 2025 Urban Living Festival, industry leaders emphasized the growing importance of seamless technology, system integration, and digital-first experiences for both leisure and business travelers. Operators using platforms like Guesty and leveraging smart dynamic pricing are seeing more bookings, particularly from corporate clients seeking flexible, “hotel-like” short-term rental experiences.
- In Europe, the trend is toward tighter regulations, with Spain and the EU introducing new requirements for registration and community approval, pointing to a general global regulatory wave likely to influence African destinations in the near future.
Leading Platform News
- Airbnb, Booking.com, and VRBO continue to grow their footprint in Africa, engaging closely with regulators to meet new compliance standards.
- Guesty and TRUVI are highlighting the urgency of tech adoption for operations, pricing optimization, and guest experience delivery, as reputation metrics (reviews and ratings) now significantly drive occupancy and revenue, especially in competitive urban markets. from corporate clients seeking flexible, “hotel-like” short-term rental experiences.
- In Europe, the trend is toward tighter regulations, with Spain and the EU introducing new requirements for registration and community approval, pointing to a general global regulatory wave likely to influence African destinations in the near future.