Nairobi’s booming tourism, business travel, and digital nomad scene has made Airbnb hosting in Nairobi a lucrative opportunity.
Among the city’s hot spots like Westlands, Kilimani, Lavington, and Kileleshwa, demand for well-run, short-term rentals is constantly rising. However, before turning your property into a successful Airbnb, there are important things you need to know.
Here’s a detailed guide with practical tips for creating Airbnbs in Nairobi, whether you’re a landlord, investor, or aspiring host.
1. Understand the Airbnb Market in Nairobi
Before jumping in, research the short-term rental market in your target area. Know what kind of guests typically stay there are they business travelers, tourists, expats, or locals on staycations?
Top-performing areas in Nairobi:
- Westlands – for business and nightlife
- Kilimani – for urban professionals and tourists
- Kileleshwa – for peaceful, mid-range stays
- Lavington – for family or luxury guests
Check competing listings to understand pricing, amenities, and reviews. This helps you identify what’s missing—and what you can do better.
2. Furnish With Purpose and Style
Airbnb guests expect stylish, comfortable, and functional spaces. Invest in furnishing your unit attractively, focusing on durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic appeal.
Essential furniture and features:
- Comfortable bed and clean bedding
- Modern couch and coffee table
- Full kitchen with microwave, fridge, and basic utensils
- Fast, reliable Wi-Fi
- TV (smart TV with Netflix is a plus)
- Storage (closet or dresser)
- Clean bathroom with hot shower
Tip: Don’t over-clutter the space. Clean, minimalist decor with some local art or cozy touches makes your Airbnb stand out.
3. Get Necessary Permits and Licenses
In Nairobi, operating an Airbnb is treated as running a business. You may be required to register the business and obtain relevant licenses depending on the location and building policies.
Important considerations:
- Some apartment buildings don’t allow short-term rentals, so check with your management before listing
- You might need a Single Business Permit from Nairobi City County
- Consider tax obligations Airbnb income is taxable in Kenya. You may need to register with KRA and file returns
4. Security and Guest Safety is Non-Negotiable
Guests want to feel safe especially those unfamiliar with Nairobi. Your Airbnb must include solid security measures.
Must-have security features:
- A solid door with quality locks
- Secure windows and grilled doors
- Perimeter wall or gated community access
- 24/7 security guard or CCTV (for apartments)
- First aid kit and fire extinguisher
For digital peace of mind, consider a smart lock system so you can manage check-ins remotely.
5. Create a Professional Listing
Your Airbnb listing is your first impression. Invest time in crafting a compelling title, detailed description, and quality photos.
Listing tips:
- Use high-quality, well-lit photos of every room
- Highlight unique features (e.g., rooftop view, fast Wi-Fi, near Sarit Centre)
- Be honest—don’t oversell and set expectations you can’t meet
- Include nearby amenities (shopping, transport, hospitals, etc.)
- Clearly state house rules and check-in procedures
A strong listing increases booking rates and attracts your ideal guests.
6. Price Strategically
Don’t guess use data from the Airbnb platform and market research to set competitive pricing. Start slightly lower to get reviews, then gradually increase.
Pricing tips:
- Use dynamic pricing tools or Airbnb’s Smart Pricing
- Offer discounts for weekly/monthly stays
- Add cleaning fees or late check-in fees where needed
- Consider offering free cancellation to boost bookings
7. Offer a Great Guest Experience
Good reviews = more bookings. Always focus on creating a positive guest experience that makes guests feel at home.
Ways to stand out:
- Provide basic supplies (toilet paper, water, soap)
- Offer welcome snacks or a guidebook with local tips
- Respond quickly to guest inquiries
- Keep the space clean and well-maintained
- Check in on guests respectfully during long stays
The little things like a handwritten welcome note or fast communication make a big difference.
8. Manage Cleanliness Like a Pro
Cleanliness is one of the top-rated Airbnb criteria. If cleaning isn’t done properly between guests, you’ll get poor reviews fast.
You can:
- Hire a reliable cleaner or cleaning company
- Create a cleaning checklist
- Use quality bedding and towels, and replace them regularly
- Schedule deep cleaning monthly (curtains, walls, upholstery)
9. Automate and Scale
If you’re managing more than one unit or living abroad you’ll need systems to streamline operations.
Tools to consider:
- Channel managers like Hostaway or Lodgify
- Smart locks for remote check-in
- Automated messaging for confirmations and instructions
- Cleaning schedules integrated with booking calendars
Scaling your Airbnb business starts with strong systems.
10. Stay Updated on Airbnb Policies and Market Trends
Airbnb’s terms, fee structures, and Nairobi’s real estate regulations are always evolving. Stay informed to protect your investment.
Follow local real estate groups, monitor the Airbnb Host Community, and consult with professionals when in doubt.
Creating a successful Airbnb in Nairobi especially in high-demand areas like Westlands or Kilimani can be a profitable venture. But success doesn’t come by chance. It takes research, smart design, strategic pricing, and exceptional service to build a 5-star Airbnb that guests love and recommend.
With the right approach and a guest-first mindset, you can turn your property into one of Nairobi’s top-performing short-term rentals.
