Kilifi, KE
Part of the Malindi market area
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Overview
Annual Rev
KSh2.2m
12 mo avg
↓8%
from prior 12 mo
Occupancy rate
34%
12 mo avg
↓8%
from prior 12 mo
Avg daily rate
KSh17,272
12 mo avg
↑14%
from prior 12 mo
Lead time
29 days
12 mo avg
↓1 days
from prior 12 mo
Revpar
KSh4,579
12 mo avg
↓12%
from prior 12 mo
Methodology note: Figures reflect Malindi market data as of September 2026. Data covers Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com listings. Values are seasonally influenced; rounding applied for readability.
Revenue per listing by bedroom
Bedroom count:
0
1
2
3
4+
Short-term rental supply growth
Performance metrics by bedroom
Bedrooms
Annual Rev
Supply
Revenue boost by amenity
| Amenity | Listings With | Revenue Boost | Revenue With | Revenue Without |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pool | — | +KES 2,336,028 | — | — |
| Barbecue | 🔒 8• (••%) | 🔒 +KES 1•••••• (+••%) | 🔒 KES 4•••••• | 🔒 KES 2•••••• |
| Parking | 🔒 2•• (••%) | 🔒 +KES 1•••••• (+•••%) | 🔒 KES 3•••••• | 🔒 KES 1•••••• |
| Gym | 🔒 3• (••%) | 🔒 +KES 7••••• (+••%) | 🔒 KES 3•••••• | 🔒 KES 3•••••• |
| Pets Allowed | 🔒 7• (••%) | 🔒 +KES 4••••• (+••%) | 🔒 KES 3•••••• | 🔒 KES 3•••••• |
Nightly rate by day of week
Occupancy rate by day of week
Listings by channel
Listings by rental type
Listings by amenities
Listings by size
4+ bedrooms (0%)
Listings by availability
Length of stay by bedroom
Studio (10.0 nights)
1 bedroom (8.0 nights)
2 bedrooms (5.4 nights)
4+ bedrooms (4.8 nights)
3 bedrooms (4.5 nights)
Cleaning fee by bedroom
4+ bedrooms (KES 49)
3 bedrooms (KES 24)
2 bedrooms (KES 21)
1 bedroom (KES 11)
Studio (KES 0)
Professional host share
Professionally managed (56%)
Independent hosts (44%)
Over the 12 months ending August 2026, the Malindi market averaged 857 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 4% from a year earlier and up 28% over two years.
An average Malindi listing earns KES1.2M/year. High-performing listings earn KES4.8M, while low-performing listings earn KES358K.
Average occupancy in Malindi is 18%, producing RevPAR of KES3K per available night.
4+ bedroom listings generate the highest average annual revenue in Malindi, at KES2.4M.
Rules vary across Malindi. I don't have reliable current data on short-term rental regulations or enforcement reality for Malindi and Watamu specifically. These Kenyan coastal towns likely fall under county-level tourism regulations, but I cannot confirm specific permit requirements, occupancy rules, or actual enforcement practices without risking inaccuracy. I recommend contacting Kilifi County government or local tourism authorities directly for accurate, current information on STR compliance requirements and enforcement. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.
The Malindi Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 4% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 8%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.
RevPAR is highest in December and August; it is lowest in May and June.
The most common amenities are Kitchen (98%), Parking (97%), Internet (95%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Pool (+184%), Parking (+78%), Bbq (+68%).
Average daily rate in Malindi is KES19K, up 18% year-over-year. Rates peak in December and are lowest in September.
Guests in Malindi book an average of 29 days in advance, down 6% from last year. Booking windows range from 23 days for 1-bedroom listings to 38 days for 4+ bedroom listings.
Booking demand is highest on Friday and lowest on Monday. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 16% higher than weekday occupancy.