Airbnb operators in Kisumu have been served with three new strict directives following a series of indecent acts happening in the rented apartments.
A statement by Kisumu City Manager Mr. Abala Wanga seen by BRK lists a series of cases reported during the festive season that involved women being drugged in city bars then dragged into the rented apartments without their consent.
It further highlights an incident where a lady tried to resist such an ordeal and ended up with injuries while escaping from her abductors. The statement reports that the victim is currently suffering from mental instability due to the traumatic experience.
“It’s disheartening to realize that Airbnb properties originally designed for family vacations and accommodations, are being exploited for criminal activities, sexual orgies, and parties that put the lives of our young women at risk,” reads part of the statement.
The County now seeks to regulate operations of all Airbnb in the lakeside city, giving three mandatory directives for all operators. This, the County says, is meant to ensure the well-being of all involved parties.
The directives include;
- Registration Requirement: ‘All Airbnb operators within Kisumu City are required to register with the City Management. This registration process will provide comprehensive details about your properties, encompassing location, capacity, amenities, and implemented security measures.
- Operational Licensing: Operators must obtain a one-year operation license from the County Government of Kisumu. This license, subject to renewal contingent upon inspection and evaluation, is pivotal in ensuring compliance with city regulations.
- Adherence to Guidelines: It is imperative for all operators to strictly adhere to the rules and guidelines stipulated by the City Management. These guidelines encompass maintaining impeccable hygiene standards, promptly reporting incidents and wholeheartedly cooperating with authorities.
The operators have been given 21 days to adhere to the three directives, failure to which, non-compliant apartments shall face indefinite closure and owners prosecuted.
“The City Management will conduct random inspections to verify compliance with these directives. Non-compliance will regrettably result in the closure of non-compliant Airbnb properties and the initiation of appropriate legal actions against the operator(s),” warns the statement.
