- The recent cases of murder allegedly committed at Airbnbs have seen Kenyans and civil societies call for the proper regulation of the business.
- CS Mutua said that the country expects an increase in visitors and the available hotels may not be enough.
Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Alfred Mutua has said the ministry will conduct public participation regarding the new regulations to be made on Airbnbs.
The recent cases of femicide allegedly committed at Airbnbs have seen Kenyans and civil societies call for the proper regulation of the business.
Speaking during a visit to Mombasa County on Thursday, the CS said that the country expects an increase in visitors and the available hotels may not be enough.
He attributed this to the relaxation of visa regulations in the country.
CS Mutua said there is a need for proper regulations on short-stay rentals such as Airbnbs to accommodate tourists.
“Airbnbs are very important. In the next two weeks, the government and our ministry will start public participation in the operation of Airbnbs to create better regulations that enable them to operate under safe circumstances for the tourists and Kenyans,” he said.
The remarks come after two women; Starlet Wahu and Rita Waeni were murdered in alleged Airbnb apartments.
Starlet Wahu was found murdered in South B, Nairobi while Rita Waeni, a 20-year-old JKUAT student was found murdered and her body cut into pieces along Thika Road.