Nairobi

As of May 2026, Nairobi, Karen, Westlands have 5,928 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 3% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Nairobi generates KES408K per year. High-performing properties earn KES1.8M/year, while low-performing properties earn KES116K/year. This massive disparity suggests that revenue is heavily concentrated in a small segment, reflecting intense competition where average assets struggle to capture demand.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Nairobi. Average annual revenue is KES408K with 16% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to KES1.8M/year. The low occupancy rate highlights a market where supply currently outpaces consistent demand, forcing top-tier performers to differentiate significantly to maintain higher returns.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Nairobi is 16%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of KES8K, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of KES920 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Nairobi, with annual revenue of KES672K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Nairobi market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Nairobi area. Nairobi: Lenient. No specific STR regulations. General business permits recommended but rarely enforced. Operates largely unregulated. Karen: Lenient. Falls under Nairobi jurisdiction. No STR-specific rules. Zoning exists but minimal enforcement. Hosts operate freely. Westlands: Lenient. Part of Nairobi County. No dedicated STR framework. Business licensing optional in practice. Very limited enforcement. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Nairobi Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 3% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 26%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. Despite the stable supply volume, the sharp drop in revenue per listing signals that market saturation is eroding pricing power for existing hosts.

Launch around September, 2-3 months before peak winter season (December peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -78% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (March-May) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Nairobi listings include: Kitchen (99%), Tv (96%), Washing Machine (84%), Elevator (64%), Gym (62%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Sauna, Pool, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 51% more (KES1.5M/year vs KES1.0M/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Nairobi over the last 12 months: May: KES21K, June: KES26K, July: KES32K, August: KES32K, September: KES25K, October: KES28K, November: KES28K, December: KES38K, January: KES31K, February: KES22K, March: KES25K, April: KES29K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Nairobi is KES8K, up 17% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average KES6K/night, 2-bedroom properties average KES10K/night, 3-bedroom properties average KES12K/night, 4+ bedroom properties average KES19K/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in May.

Guests in Nairobi book an average of 14 days in advance, down 31% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 13 days, 2-bedroom: 15 days, 3-bedroom: 18 days, 4+ bedroom: 21 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Nairobi Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 3%, revenue per listing decreased 26%, occupancy fell 18%, average nightly rates increased 17%, and lead time decreased 31%. These trends reveal a shift toward shorter booking windows and higher price sensitivity, indicating a market adjusting to lower utilization levels.

In Nairobi, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Sunday. Weekends show 7% higher occupancy than weekdays.