Ukubungaza ngendlela efanele e-Kenya
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We’ve put together this article to help hosts on Airbnb become familiar with hosting responsibilities, and to provide a general overview of different laws, regulations, and best practices that may affect hosts. You’re required to follow our guidelines, like our Hosting Standards, and to make sure that you follow the laws and other rules that apply to your specific circumstances and locale.
We recommend that you do your own research as this article isn’t comprehensive, and doesn’t constitute legal or tax advice. Also, as we don’t update this article in real time, please check each source and make sure that the information provided hasn’t recently changed.
Table of contents
Health and cleanliness
In the context of the COVID-19 health crisis, the implementation of appropriate health and safety measures will be at the heart of the recovery of the tourism sector. Global information about Airbnb’s enhanced cleaning protocol can be found in general info about hosting places to stay.
Key recommendations from the government
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife of Kenya has put together Health and Safety Protocols for ensuring a safe experience for guests.
Short-term rental regulations
Kenya implemented regulations for tourism activities and services under the Tourism Act 2011 and the Tourism Regulatory Authority Regulations 2014.
The Kenya Tourism Regulatory Authority (KTRA) issued a public circular on 1 March 2021 requiring all persons who offer licensable accommodation facilities to register with the KTRA by 31 March 2021.
The circular was issued pursuant to the Fourth Schedule to the Tourism Authority Regulations, 2014, which designates serviced apartments, serviced flats, beach cottages and holiday cottages amongst others, as regulated tourism activities which need to be licensed on an annual basis.
It’s important to make sure you’re allowed to host on your property. Some examples of restrictions include contracts, laws, and community rules. You can use the general info in this article as a starting point around hosting regulations and permissions. Check with a lawyer or local authority to learn more about regulations, restrictions, and obligations specific to your circumstances.
Registration
You may be required to be registered, inspected and licensed by the KTRA before commencing operations.
A one-off initial application license fee and an annual license fee is chargeable by the KTRA, in addition to other licensing requirements, for the relevant license that you require. Get more information on the requirements needed for the application.
If you have any questions with regards to the registration of your property you can directly reach out to KTRA here: info@tourismauthority.go.ke
Other contracts and rules
As a host, you need to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, including leases, co-op rules, or other rules established by tenant organizations. You should be able to find out more by contacting your housing authority (such as a community council) or landlord. Your lease (or other contract) might also have specific details.
Insurance
Work with your insurance agent or carrier to determine what kind of obligations, limits, and coverage are required for your specific circumstances.
Host damage protection and Host liability insurance
AirCover includes Host damage protection and Host liability insurance, which provide you with basic coverage for listed damages and liabilities. However, these don’t take the place of homeowner’s insurance, renter’s insurance, or adequate liability coverage. You might need to meet other insurance requirements as well.
We strongly encourage all Hosts to review and understand the terms of their insurance policy coverage. Not all insurance plans will cover damage or loss of property caused by a guest who books your accommodation.
Learn more about AirCover.
Liability and basic coverage
Review your homeowner’s or renter’s policy with your insurance agent or carrier to make sure your listing has adequate liability coverage and property protection.
Our commitment to your community
We are committed to working with local officials to help them understand how Airbnb benefits our community. Where needed, we will continue to advocate for changes that will allow regular people to rent out their own homes.