Femicide Concerns Spark Crackdown On Unlicensed Short-Term Rentals

In response to the alarming rise in femicide cases linked to short-term rental spaces, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has announced a crackdown on illegal operations. The government’s primary target: individuals renting out such spaces without proper certification or outside registered platforms like Airbnb.

Kuria’s statement, released on January 28, 2024, underscored the government’s deep concern about the “growing cases of crime and murders, mostly targeted at women in short-term rental spaces.” He pointed out that many of these rentals, including those involved in recent female murders, are deceptively labeled as “Airbnb” while transactions occur outside the platform’s secure framework.

This bypasses crucial Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, leaving authorities without vital information on renters and operators. In light of this vulnerability, Kuria declared, “The government will crack down on people offering such services outside the Airbnb or other authorized and licensed platforms.”

The rise in femicide cases within these unregistered spaces has become a chilling reality. One such case involved Starlet Wahu, whose tragic death sent shockwaves across the nation. Responding to a distress call, police discovered her lifeless body in a short-term rental booked and paid for outside a licensed platform.

Kuria’s initiative aims to prevent similar tragedies by instituting stricter regulations and enforcing mandatory platform registration. With verified identities and clear transaction trails, authorities will be better equipped to ensure the safety and security of renters, particularly women, who often face heightened vulnerability in these transient accommodations.

The crackdown signals a commitment to protect lives and hold landlords accountable. While platforms like Airbnb have implemented safeguards, the existence of unregulated spaces poses a significant risk. This decisive action by the government reflects the urgency of addressing this issue and prioritizing the safety of all, especially those seeking temporary lodging.