| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Permitted with registration |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — TRA licence plus Nairobi County Single Business Permit |
| Tax Rate | VAT 16% (companies); 2% Tourism Levy; income tax |
| Permit Fee | KES 1,000 TRA application; ~KES 26,000/yr serviced apartment licence; County permit ~KES 10,000 |
| Penalties | Same as national (fines, possible closure) |
| Primary Residence Required | No |
Short-term rental operations in Nairobi are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — TRA licence plus Nairobi County Single Business Permit. The associated permit fees are KES 1,000 TRA application; ~KES 26,000/yr serviced apartment licence; County permit ~KES 10,000.
Short-term rental operators in Nairobi should be aware of these tax obligations: VAT 16% (companies); 2% Tourism Levy; income tax. Yes (KRA; VAT 16% for companies; 2% tourism levy).
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Nairobi include: Primary residence requirement: No.
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Nairobi: Estate/residents' association rules common in areas like Kilimani, Kileleshwa, Westlands. Insurance: Recommended.
Hosts who fail to comply with Nairobi's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Same as national (fines, possible closure).
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Nairobi: Same as national; 2% levy via platforms.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Nairobi with proper registration and permits. Follows national TRA framework; intensified inspections by NGAOs; CCTV and guest-ID recording required
Yes. Nairobi requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — TRA licence plus Nairobi County Single Business Permit.
Short-term rental hosts in Nairobi are subject to the following tax obligations: VAT 16% (companies); 2% Tourism Levy; income tax.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Nairobi may face enforcement. Same as national (fines, possible closure).
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