As pressure mounts on the government to crack down on unregistered Airbnbs, an agent in the business has welcomed the move to regulate the sub-sector.
This comes in the wake of reported brutal killings of women in some Airbnbs by their alleged their would-be lovers, which has put the country in panic mode over the facilities.
Coast Holiday Homes chief executive officer Habel Mwakio told the Star that the current uproar against Airbnbs is blanket condemnation of the self-catering accommodation homes.
Mwakio said Airbnbs are safe and the incidents that have hit the headlines are isolated cases.
“It is sad that lives have been lost in some of the self-catering accommodation homes, commonly referred to as Airbnbs.
“These incidents happen from time to time because criminals are part of society. They are not happening only in Airbnbs; we have seen cases in hotels, lodges, and even clubs,” Mwakio said.
The businessman said Kenyans should not be afraid to book Airbnbs but urged owners and fellow agents in the business to boost security.
The minimum security measure they can put in place, Mwakio said, is to have CCTV cameras especially along the entrance, parking area and behind the facilities.
Other measures include having security guards day and night and capturing details of persons booking the unit such as their ID, phone and car registration numbers.
“Whatever is happening now is public condemnation, but Kenyans should know that Airbnbs are very safe. This business is one of the most professional industries in the country and the world,” Mwakio said.
“This is just a bump on the road, but I believe we are going to emerge stronger.”
The Private Security Regulatory Authority issued directives to all private companies and guards manning accommodations, lodgings and other hospitality establishments.
In the letter signed by director general Fazul Mahamed, PSRA ordered guards to ensure that all persons entering the premises under their care identify themselves, register time of entrance and exit, and they temporarily retain the identification document of such a person.
Mwakio said welcome the move, saying that security matters affect everyone.
Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor has promised to sponsor a bill in Parliament to regulate Airbnb businesses.
Mwakio urged the government through the Tourism Regulatory Authority to involve operators.
“The government needs to start seeing us as partners. The majority of the owners of these apartments are ready and willing to register. The government just needs to sit down with them and have a candid discussion on how to go about it,” he said
