TourismNationwide
Airbnb
Turn a spare property into short-term rental income — steady demand from tourists and business travelers, but requires TRA licensing and upkeep.
01
Business structure
Short-term rental accommodation registered with the Tourism Regulatory Authority (homestay, apartment, or hostel).
02
Capital requirements
Breakdown in KES.
Figures below are estimates based on typical ranges, not guaranteed costs. Get quotes from local suppliers before committing capital.
Property lease50,000 - 200,000
Renovation and furnishing100,000 - 500,000
Licensing and registration37,000
Insurance (optional)10,000 - 30,000
Total initial investment297,000 - 767,000
03
Licensing & permits
Official steps, pulled live from Kenya's eProcedures portal.
Action plan
- Prepare lease agreement, certificate of compliance, proof of investment
- Pay application fee plus annual license fee (varies by property type)
- Register with TRA and get a Single Business Permit from the county
- Pass KTRA inspection before operating
Live official procedure — Kenya Investment Authority (eProcedures)
Government sites don't allow direct embedding, so we link straight to the official page below.
Open full procedure on eProcedures04
Target market
- Domestic and international tourists
- Event attendees
- Business travelers
05
Risk assessment
01Property damage from guests
02Scams and fraud
03Seasonal demand swings
04Regulatory compliance changes
06
Marketing strategies
Action plan
- Invest in high-quality listing photography
- Maintain an active social media presence
- Build a dedicated website for direct bookings
- Partner with travel agencies and tour operators
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