- Management of accommodation facilities should ensure that the CCTV camera records are stored, and can be retrieved if the need arises.
- They should also maintain an updated register documenting the verified identity of persons entering and exiting the premises as supported by proper identification documents.
Image: PCS
The government has announced that it plans to enforce new measures to secure residential apartments, lodgings and Airbnb rentals.
The decision was arrived at after a cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto on Wednesday.
This comes after an uproar from Kenyans over the surging cases of murder happening at Airbnb.
"In response to public concerns arising from the alarming increase in crimes against persons, including murder, within short-term lease facilities such as furnished residential apartments, lodgings, and Airbnb rentals; Cabinet sanctioned a raft of measures to enhance security in such premises," a Cabinet dispatch stated.
The cabinet agreed that the short-term stay houses should maintain Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Cameras in all common areas.
Management of such facilities are also required to ensure that the CCTV camera records are stored, and can be retrieved if the need arises.
They should also maintain an updated register documenting the verified identity of persons entering and exiting the premises as supported by proper identification documents.
The documentation should include the time of entry and exit from the premises.
The Cabinet directed that the management of short-term stay houses must maintain a current and accurate log of all vehicles, rickshaws, and motorcycles entering or departing from the premises.
They are to ensure that the premises are guarded by a properly registered private security service provider.
The Cabinet agreed that residential apartments, lodgings and Airbnb rentals maintain a security occurrence book to record daily significant incidents and notable events relating to the safety and security of residents, guests, and service providers.
Kenyans raised concerns about the safety of Airbnb after a rise in the cases of murder.
The most recent cases include the brutal murder of Starlet Wahu Mwangi, the dismemberment of Rita Waeni, and the tragic death of Malkia.
In February, the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) issued over 8,000 Airbnb facilities with licenses after registering them.
The authority embarked on an inspection exercise of all Airbnb properties after it emerged that several were operating illegally.
TRA’s general manager Nobert Taalam announced that the authority targets to register over 50,000 Airbnb facilities in three months.
"Airbnb facilities have to be registered and those who are yet to should know that we are coming for them," he said.
Once the registration is concluded, Taalam noted that their owners will undergo training to help them offer quality services and ensure the security of their guests.