• Airbnb clients are encouraged to cooperate with security personnel and provide their identification details when entering these premises.
• The temporary retention of visitors' identification documents is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
Image: FILE
It is now mandatory for security guards to demand that clients seeking Airbnb services give out their personal details in a bid to bolster security and accountability within those premises.
The Private Security Regulatory Authority on Wednesday introduced stringent safety protocols, particularly impacting individuals using Airbnb accommodations.
The guidelines were contained in a joint statement by the Ministries of Interior, Tourism, Gender and Education.
Under the new regulations, security guards stationed at Airbnb premises are now legally obligated to record the identification details of all individuals entering those establishments.
This includes documenting the time of entry and exit, and temporarily retaining the identification documents of all visitors.
The heightened security measures aim to ensure a thorough record of individuals accessing Airbnb properties.
As part of protocols, it is also mandatory for Airbnb owners to install CCTV surveillance systems at their premises.
"The surveillance systems are designed to continuously record footage, providing an additional layer of security and aiding in monitoring activities within Airbnb premises," reads the statement.
The statement was signed by Internal Security PS Raymond Omollo, Gender and Affirmative Action PS Anne Wang'ombe, Higher Education PS Beatrice Inyangala and Tourism PS John Ololtua.
The move comes as part of a broader effort to enhance the safety and accountability of individuals utilising shared accommodations at short-stay facilities.
The Private Security Regulatory Authority emphasised the importance of these measures in safeguarding both hosts and guests and fostering a secure environment within Airbnb establishments.
Airbnb users are encouraged to cooperate with security personnel and provide their identification details when entering these premises.
The temporary retention of visitors' identification documents is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
Hosts and guests are advised to familiarise themselves with these new security protocols to ensure a smooth and secure experience when using Airbnb accommodations.
Following rising cases of femicide in Airbnbs, the government has introduced strict measures to address the new wave of crime across the country.
At the same time starting next week Monday, the government will start a crackdown on all unregistered Airbnbs and other short-term accommodations.
The premises have been ordered to immediately register with the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA).
"This registration process is designed to ensure that all accommodations meet the highest standards of safety and security for guests," reads the statement.
The crackdown which will start on February 5, 2024, will aid in identifying the unregistered premises.
The exercise will be led by National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) in collaboration with the TRA.
The government has pledged to coordinate with booking platforms to restrict unregistered rentals and further institute severe penalties.
Unregistered rentals will also face fines and revocation in cases of non-compliance.
The recent cases of alleged murders of women across the country have drawn reactions from Kenyans on social media with civil societies calling for action.
On Saturday, women marched in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu carrying placards calling for an end to femicide.