Alfred Mutua Talks Amid Airbnb Latest Safety Concerns

Alfred Mutua Talks Amid Airbnb Latest Safety Concerns.

Kenya’s Tourism Cabinet Secretary, Alfred Mutua, has urged citizens to ensure the legitimacy of Airbnb establishments before making bookings for safety reasons. Airbnb, an online lodging service, stands for “Air Bed and Breakfast.”

In a statement released on Tuesday, the CS conveyed his apprehension regarding recent criminal incidents within the short-stay accommodation sector.

“It is our assurance that hospitality services in Kenya are generally safe. However, we urge the public to verify the registration and license status of facilities to ensure compliance with already outlined directives by the government and maintain quality standards,” he said.

His comments come at a time when the nation is grappling with shock in the aftermath of the murders of two women in accommodation establishments in South B and Roysambu.

Socialite Starlet Wahu, 26, was discovered murdered on January 6 in an Airbnb in South B. CCTV footage revealed her entering the building on the night of January 3 in the company of her suspected killer, identified as John Matara.

Autopsy results indicated that Wahu was strangled and bled to death from a deep stab wound to her thigh.

On Monday, January 15, police were called to another gruesome murder scene in Roysambu, where the body parts of a woman murdered inside an Airbnb were found packed in plastic waste bags and discarded near a dustbin. Although the head was missing, the family has identified the victim.

While the investigation is ongoing, police have released CCTV footage believed to depict the man responsible for the heinous crime.

Airbnbs fall under the regulation of the Ministry of Tourism through the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA). The TRA is responsible for the registration, licensing, and regulation of hospitality and tourism, including services provided by cottages and private residences engaged in guesthouse services.

CS Mutua has reiterated the ministry’s dedication to ensuring the well-being and safety of all stakeholders, emphasizing that safety remains their top priority.

“Regrettably, incidents involving Kenyan citizens in accommodation facilities booked through online platforms have occurred. Several platforms have distanced themselves from these isolated cases,” he said.

“To uphold the integrity of our tourism industry, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, through the Tourism Regulatory Authority, will rigorously enforce compliance, taking legal action against any violations of TRA licensing laws. Late renewals will be subject to penalties and other consequences as stipulated by law,” He added.