Ruiru, KE
Part of the Thika market area
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Overview
Annual Rev
KSh303.5k
12 mo avg
↓14%
from prior 12 mo
Occupancy rate
20%
12 mo avg
↓5%
from prior 12 mo
Avg daily rate
KSh4,679
12 mo avg
↑6%
from prior 12 mo
Lead time
12 days
12 mo avg
↓3 days
from prior 12 mo
Revpar
KSh630
12 mo avg
↓32%
from prior 12 mo
Methodology note: Figures reflect Thika 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barbecue | — | +KES 1,128,231 | — | — |
| Pets Allowed | 🔒 1• (••%) | 🔒 +KES 4••••• (+••%) | 🔒 KES 1•••••• | 🔒 KES 8••••• |
| Heating | 🔒 1• (••%) | 🔒 +KES 1••••• (+••%) | 🔒 KES 1•••••• | 🔒 KES 8••••• |
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
3 bedrooms (12.5 nights)
2 bedrooms (9.3 nights)
4+ bedrooms (8.9 nights)
1 bedroom (8.0 nights)
Studio (6.5 nights)
Cleaning fee by bedroom
4+ bedrooms (KES 25)
3 bedrooms (KES 15)
2 bedrooms (KES 13)
Studio (KES 4)
1 bedroom (KES 0)
Professional host share
Independent hosts (57%)
Professionally managed (43%)
Over the 12 months ending August 2026, the Thika market averaged 585 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 14% from a year earlier and up 62% over two years.
An average Thika listing earns KES171K/year. High-performing listings earn KES834K, while low-performing listings earn KES53K.
Average occupancy in Thika is 11%, producing RevPAR of KES401 per available night.
4+ bedroom listings generate the highest average annual revenue in Thika, at KES552K.
Rules vary across Thika. I don't have reliable data on short-term rental regulations or enforcement reality for Thika or Nairobi specifically. Kenya's STR regulatory framework is still developing at the national and county levels. Without verified information on permits, licensing requirements, and actual enforcement practices in these cities, I recommend checking with Nairobi and Kiambu County governments directly for current regulations. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.
The Thika Airbnb and VRBO market is becoming more competitive. Supply has grown 14% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 15%, suggesting supply is outpacing demand.
RevPAR is highest in December and August; it is lowest in February and May.
The most common amenities are Kitchen (100%), Parking (100%), TV (98%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Bbq (+142%), Pets Allowed (+53%), Washing Machine (+32%).
Average daily rate in Thika is KES5K, up 9% year-over-year. Rates peak in March and are lowest in November.
Guests in Thika book an average of 11 days in advance, down 24% from last year. Booking windows range from 10 days for 1-bedroom listings to 16 days for 4+ bedroom listings.
Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Monday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Thursday. Weekend occupancy is 11% higher than weekday occupancy.