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Airbnb market data · 202512 months to April 2025

Machakos Central ward, Kenya Airbnb Market Data: Revenue, Occupancy & Trends

Source: AirROI Reviewed by , Founder @ AirROI Updated

AirROI's latest figures for Machakos Central ward run through April 2025.

Active Airbnb listings
32
Avg. booking lead time
3 days
Listings showing a permit
0%
Peak revenue month
May
Lowest revenue month
December

The short answer

Machakos Central ward Airbnb Market at a Glance

Listings averaged KES 6,351 a night and were booked on 21% of available nights.

Timing matters: in May, the best month, the average listing earned about 3.5 times as much as in December, the slowest. With only 32 active listings, a few bookings can reorder the months.

With 32 active listings, Machakos Central ward is the fourth-largest of 8 Machakos County markets AirROI tracks.

Map of Airbnb listings in Machakos Central ward Browse the live Machakos Central ward Airbnb market See Every Machakos Central ward Listing

Revenue

How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Make in Machakos Central ward?

Gross bookings per Machakos Central ward listing averaged KES 454,669 over the 12 months to April 2025 (Machakos County average: KES 317,387), before cleaning, platform and management costs and taxes.

The average Machakos Central ward listing brought in KES 181,000 in May, its best month, and KES 52,000 in December, its slowest. The three strongest months bring in 42% of a full year's revenue, where an even calendar would give any three months 25%.

In a typical month, a top-quarter listing earns at least 3.6 times as much as a bottom-quarter one.

  • Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn KES 226,000+ a month, about five times the typical property.
  • Strong performers (top 25%) earn KES 85,300 or more, roughly KES 41,000 a month above the median.
  • Typical properties (median) earn about KES 44,800 a month.
  • Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn KES 23,500 or less, about half of the median.

These are monthly figures for listings active in each month. The annual average above also counts listings that operated for only part of the year, so it runs below twelve times these figures.

May earned about 3.5 times what December did

Average revenue per active listing, by month

The dashed line is the average of the months shown, KES 91,200. Dashed: April left out, as the latest month's data looks incomplete.

Machakos Central ward Airbnb Data by Month

Latest 12 months in the April 2025 data.

May led on revenue. Nightly rates peaked in July and bookings in December, so the best-paying month is not always the busiest or the priciest.

Average monthly Airbnb revenue, occupancy, nightly rate and booking lead time per active listing in Machakos Central ward, May 2024 to Apr 2025
MonthAvg. RevenueOccupancyAvg. Nightly RateBooking Lead Time
May 2024KES 180,77325.2%KES 6,0822 days
Jun 2024KES 167,83020.7%KES 6,1025 days
Jul 2024KES 56,53526.0%KES 6,2183 days
Aug 2024KES 60,57720.5%KES 6,0544 days
Sep 2024KES 64,08920.0%KES 5,9581 day
Oct 2024KES 68,90725.2%KES 6,0162 days
Nov 2024KES 72,25627.6%KES 5,8502 days
Dec 2024KES 52,01430.1%KES 5,9486 days
Jan 2025KES 102,48227.6%KES 6,1453 days
Feb 2025KES 98,64223.8%KES 6,1062 days
Mar 2025KES 79,24119.6%KES 6,0622 days
Apr 2025*KES 71,09513.3%KES 6,0752 days

Averages per active listing in each month. Highlighted: the highest-revenue month. Booking lead time is the days between booking and check-in for stays in that month. *Apr 2025 is the latest month and looks incomplete: its occupancy sits well below the calendar months either side of it, as the latest month often does before late bookings are recorded. It may be revised and is not counted as a best or worst month.

These are market-wide figures. To see what one particular Machakos Central ward home could earn, enter its address, bedrooms and guests in the free Airbnb calculator; it compares the home with similar listings nearby.

Profit

Is an Airbnb in Machakos Central ward Profitable?

Yes, when it's run well. The average Machakos Central ward Airbnb took in KES 454,669 in the 12 months to April 2025, an average that counts every active listing, including those open only part of the year. A listing in the top quarter took in about KES 865,400, and run by its owner at everyday costs, about KES 53,200 a month of that is left after running costs, so a home that costs less than that to own or rent makes money.

These amounts come before housing costs. Where the mortgage or rent is less each month, the difference is profit; a home owned outright keeps it all after property tax, home insurance and any building or condo fees.

Machakos Central ward Airbnb Income, Expenses and Profit per Year

A year of income, running costs and what is left for housing costs for an average and a top-quarter Machakos Central ward Airbnb
LineAverage listingTop-quarter listing
Money in
Gross bookingsKES 454,669KES 865,400
Running costs
Airbnb's fee15.5% of bookings, Airbnb's standard host-only fee−KES 70,500−KES 134,100
Utilities and internetAbout 5% of bookings−KES 22,700−KES 43,300
Guest suppliesToiletries, coffee, paper goods: about 2%−KES 9,100−KES 17,300
Repairs and upkeepIncluding linens and small replacements: about 3%−KES 13,600−KES 26,000
Short-term rental insuranceOne policy, on top of Airbnb's free AirCover−KES 4,500−KES 4,500
Permit and registrationWhere one is required−KES 2,300−KES 2,300
ManagementKES 0 when you run it; co-hosts charge from about 10% of nightly bookingsKES 0KES 0
Pricing and messaging toolsOptional; Airbnb's own tools are freeKES 0KES 0
Lodging taxesAdded to the guest's bill and passed onKES 0KES 0
Total running costsAbout 27% of bookings−KES 122,700−KES 227,500
Left for housing costs, then profitKES 331,969about KES 27,700 a monthKES 637,900about KES 53,200 a month
Housing costs
Mortgage or rent, property tax, home insurance, building or condo feesDepend on the home

Estimate Your Own Machakos Central ward Airbnb Profit

The estimate starts from Machakos Central ward's average listing, run by its owner. Change how the listing performs, who runs it and who cleans to see what is left for the mortgage or rent.

To work out the profit on one Machakos Central ward home, with its price, its mortgage or rent and your own costs, use the Airbnb profit calculator. It starts from the comparable listings around the address.

How Machakos Central ward's Top Earners Get There

  • More nights booked. The busiest quarter of Machakos Central ward listings are booked on 31% or more of their nights, against 17% for the median listing. Ten more booked nights a year at the median rate of KES 5,280 adds about KES 52,800 in bookings.
  • Prices that follow demand. Ranked by price, the top quarter charge KES 6,555 a night or more, against a median of KES 5,280. That is a separate ranking from the busiest quarter, so the two marks don't multiply into one listing's takings. For the average listing, a 10% higher rate on the nights it already books adds about KES 45,500 a year.
  • Open for the busy months. May brought the average listing about KES 181,000, against KES 52,000 in December, so a calendar that is open and full in the busy months carries the year.

What a listing keeps comes down to the figures this page measures: nightly rate, nights booked and the months it's open. A listing at the top-quarter mark takes in about KES 72,100 a month, against KES 37,900 for the average one.

Occupancy

What Is the Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Machakos Central ward?

Machakos Central ward listings were booked on 21% of the nights they were open over the past year, 7 percentage points below the Machakos County average (28%) and 9 points below the Kenya average (30%). Occupancy climbs to 30% in December and falls to 20% in March.

The busiest tenth of listings are booked about 5.4 times as often as the bottom quarter.

  • Best-in-class properties (top 10%) are booked 54%+ of open nights, 37 points above the median.
  • Strong performers (top 25%) fill 31% or more, roughly two nights a week.
  • Typical properties (median) fill about 17% of open nights.
  • Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) fill 10% or less, less than one night a week.

December was the busiest month in Machakos Central ward, March the quietest

Share of open nights booked, by month

Dashed: April data incomplete. The 12-month rate of 21% averages each listing's whole year, slow months included; each month here counts only the listings booked in it.

Nightly rates

How Much Does an Airbnb Cost per Night in Machakos Central ward?

The average nightly rate in Machakos Central ward, known as ADR (average daily rate), was KES 6,351 over the past year, about 14% above the Machakos County average of KES 5,590 and about 41% below the Kenya average of KES 10,700. Averaged month by month, rates barely change through the year, staying between about KES 5,850 and KES 6,220.

Prices span a wide range: the top 10% charge about 3.2 times the rate of the bottom quarter.

  • Best-in-class properties (top 10%) charge KES 8,930+ a night, about 1.7 times the median.
  • Strong performers (top 25%) charge KES 6,555 or more.
  • Typical properties (median) charge about KES 5,280 a night.
  • Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) charge KES 2,755 or less, about half of the median.

Average nightly rate by month in Machakos Central ward

Average nightly rate (ADR), by month

The dashed line is the average of the months shown, KES 6,050. Dashed: April data incomplete. The 12-month ADR of KES 6,351 averages each listing's own rate across its whole year; the monthly points average listings month by month, so the two differ.

Seasonality

Best and Worst Months for Airbnb in Machakos Central ward

With only 32 active listings, the monthly pattern in Machakos Central ward is noisy, since a few long or pricey stays can lift a month; revenue peaked in May and bottomed out in December.

How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Machakos Central ward?

Guests book Machakos Central ward stays 3 days ahead on average, so many trips are booked close to arrival. December stays are booked furthest out, about 6 days ahead, and September stays closest to arrival, about 1 days.

December stays are booked furthest ahead

Average days between booking and check-in, by month of stay

Dashed: April data incomplete. The 12-month figure of 3 days averages each listing's year as a whole; each month here averages only the listings with stays in it.

Permits

Airbnb Permits and Registration in Machakos Central ward

None of the 32 active listings in Machakos Central ward display a registration, permit or license number. That doesn't mean no rules apply: some places don't ask hosts to show a number on the listing, and listing data doesn't capture every scheme.

Registration, permit, zoning and tourist-tax rules vary by address and change often, so confirm them with the local authority before buying or listing in Machakos Central ward.

Neighborhoods

Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Machakos Central ward

AirROI's area guide picks seven Machakos Central ward neighborhoods that draw short-term rental guests, led by Machakos Town, Kangundo and Mlolongo. The picks reflect guest appeal, not earnings data or permit eligibility, so check local permit rules for a specific address before buying.

Best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Machakos Central ward
AreaWho it suitsLandmarks nearby
Machakos TownThe heart of Machakos County, bustling with activity and amenities. A prime location for both business travelers and tourists looking to explore the outskirts of Nairobi.Machakos People's Park, Machakos Golf Club, Machakos Town Market, Kangundo Road, The Machakos Stadium
KangundoA serene area known for its beautiful scenery and rural charm. Attracts tourists looking for a peaceful retreat away from urban hustle.Kangundo Town, Matuu Market, Yatta Plateau, Masimba Dam, local cultural experiences
MlolongoAn emerging area with significant business and residential development. Attracts guests due to its proximity to the airport and affordable rates.Mlolongo Town Centre, Crown Paints Factory, local eateries and markets, Machakos Roofing Products, access to Nairobi
KataniA suburban area with a community feel and growing infrastructure. Good for families and travelers looking for affordable accommodation.Katani Shopping Centre, local farms and rural experiences, Masai Clothing Market, prospective hiking spots, cultural exchanges
MatuuA rural town that offers a glimpse into the traditional Kenyan way of life. Ideal for travelers looking for authentic experiences.Matuu Market, historical sites, nature trails, hospitality from local families, cultural festivals
KolaA quiet neighborhood with access to both urban conveniences and natural beauty, great for short trips and relaxing stays.local parks, farms, Kola Market, surrounding hills, community activities
Nairobi-Machakos Turn OffA major intersection connecting Machakos to Nairobi, making it a strategic location for those attending events in Nairobi.access to Nairobi, local accommodation options, transport hubs, business centers, quick access to attractions in both counties

Area descriptions are AI-assisted from public sources and are not checked against zoning.

Listings

Machakos Central ward Airbnb Listings by Type and Size

More than nine in ten Airbnbs in Machakos Central ward are entire homes (94%), with private rooms at 6%. Apartments and condos account for 81% of the stock; houses come next at 19%.

Nearly all listings rent the whole place

Machakos Central ward Airbnb listings by room type

  • Entire home 94%
  • Private room 6%
Room types in numbers
Machakos Central ward Airbnb listings by room type
Room typeShare of listingsListings
Entire home93.8%30
Private room6.3%2

Apartments dominate the property mix

Machakos Central ward Airbnb listings by property type

  • Apartment/Condo 81%
  • House 19%
Property types in numbers
Machakos Central ward Airbnb listings by property type
Property typeShare of listingsListings
Apartment/Condo81.3%26
House18.8%6

How Many Bedrooms Do Airbnb Listings in Machakos Central ward Have?

Among homes with two or more bedrooms, two-bedroom homes are the most common in Machakos Central ward (32% of listings), followed by three-bedroom homes (13%). The chart's studio and one-bedroom column also counts private rooms, since Airbnb lists a rented room as one bedroom.

Machakos Central ward listings by number of bedrooms

Listings with each number of bedrooms

Bedroom counts in numbers
Machakos Central ward listings by number of bedrooms
BedroomsShare of listingsListings
Studio or 1 bedroom38.7%12
2 bedrooms32.3%10
3 bedrooms12.9%4
4 bedrooms12.9%4
5+ bedrooms3.2%1

How Many Guests Do Airbnbs in Machakos Central ward Sleep?

Most Machakos Central ward listings are sized for couples and small families: 81% sleep four guests or fewer, and just 13% take eight or more.

Machakos Central ward listings by guest capacity

Share of listings by the number of guests they sleep

Guest capacity in numbers
Machakos Central ward listings by guest capacity
Guest capacityShare of listingsListings
2 guests35.5%11
3 guests6.5%2
4 guests38.7%12
6 guests3.2%1
7 guests3.2%1
8+ guests12.9%4

What Amenities Do Airbnb Listings in Machakos Central ward Offer?

Free on-site parking is close to standard in Machakos Central ward: 88% of listings offer it, and 81% have a dedicated workspace.

Share of Machakos Central ward listings with each common amenity

  • Kitchen Nearly all
  • TV Nearly all
  • Wifi Nearly all
  • Free parking on premises 88%
  • Hot water 84%
  • Essentials 84%
  • Dedicated workspace 81%
  • Washer 72%
  • Heating 69%
  • Carbon monoxide alarm 69%

Guests

Who Books Airbnbs in Machakos Central ward?

Most Machakos Central ward guests are domestic, but a sizeable minority come from abroad: 20% of those who left reviews live outside Kenya, led by visitors from the United States and South Africa. English is spoken by 63% of guests, and Swahili by 23%.

80% of Machakos Central ward guests are domestic

Where guests who left reviews live

  • Domestic 80%
  • International 20%

Where Machakos Central ward guests come from: top cities

Share of guests who left reviews

  • Nairobi 66%
  • Thika 7%
  • Saint Petersburg 3%
  • Monterey Park 3%
  • Pretoria 3%
Top origin cities in numbers
Where Machakos Central ward guests come from: top cities
Origin cityShare of guests
Nairobi65.5%
Thika6.9%
Saint Petersburg3.4%
Monterey Park3.4%
Pretoria3.4%

Where Machakos Central ward guests come from: top countries

Share of guests who left reviews

  • Kenya 80%
  • United States 13%
  • South Africa 3%
  • Russia 3%
Top origin countries in numbers
Where Machakos Central ward guests come from: top countries
Origin countryShare of guests
Kenya80.0%
United States13.3%
South Africa3.3%
Russia3.3%

Languages spoken by Machakos Central ward guests

Share of guests who left reviews

  • English 63%
  • Swahili 23%
  • Russian 8%
  • Arabic 3%
  • Sign Language 3%
Top languages in numbers
Languages spoken by Machakos Central ward guests
LanguageShare of guests
English62.5%
Swahili22.5%
Russian7.5%
Arabic2.5%
Sign Language2.5%

Booking patterns

How Guests Book in Machakos Central ward: Stays, Rules and Fees

All Machakos Central ward listings are open to guests more than 180 days a year, but none are booked or blocked that many days. The most common booked-or-blocked total is 31 to 90 days a year, covering 72% of listings; blocked nights include any the host closes off.

Days a year Machakos Central ward listings are open to guests

Share of listings by days a year

  • 271-366 days 88%
  • 181-270 days 13%
Open days in numbers
Days a year Machakos Central ward listings are open to guests
Days a yearShare of listingsListings
271-366 days87.5%28
181-270 days12.5%4

Days a year Machakos Central ward listings are booked or blocked

Share of listings by days a year

  • 91-180 days 13%
  • 31-90 days 72%
  • 1-30 days 16%
Booked or blocked days in numbers
Days a year Machakos Central ward listings are booked or blocked
Days a yearShare of listingsListings
91-180 days12.5%4
31-90 days71.9%23
1-30 days15.6%5

Machakos Central ward Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements

94% of listings in Machakos Central ward accept stays of one or two nights.

Minimum stay set by Machakos Central ward listings

Share of listings by the shortest stay they accept, from one night to 30 or more

  • 1 Night 87% 27 listings
  • 2 Nights 6% 2 listings
  • 4-6 Nights 3% 1 listing
  • 30+ Nights 3% 1 listing

What Cancellation Policies Do Airbnb Hosts Use in Machakos Central ward?

Flexible is the most common cancellation policy in Machakos Central ward, used by 90% of listings with a policy on file; it refunds guests in full if they cancel at least a day before check-in. Hosts here lean flexible: about nine in ten listings with a policy on file offer Flexible or Moderate terms, against 10% on Firm or stricter ones.

Cancellation policies of Machakos Central ward listings, from most to least flexible

Share of listings by the policy they use

  • Flexible 90% 9 listings
  • Firm 10% 1 listing

Top earners

Top-Earning Airbnbs and Hosts in Machakos Central ward

The top-grossing Airbnb in Machakos Central ward, a four-bedroom home, took in KES 2,500,000 over the past year, about 5.5 times the city's average of KES 455,000.

Serene Villa in Machakos Serene Villa in Machakos Entire home · 4 bedrooms
Revenue
KES 2.5M
Occupancy
25.5%
Daily rate
KES 29,394
La petals hideaway house-Machakos La petals hideaway house-Machakos Entire home · 6 bedrooms
Revenue
KES 1.9M
Occupancy
14.0%
Daily rate
KES 25,472
Masaku Penthouse Masaku Penthouse Entire home · 3 bedrooms
Revenue
KES 714,024
Occupancy
16.1%
Daily rate
KES 10,596
Lovely home-like apartment in a serene place Lovely home-like apartment in a serene place Entire home · 3 bedrooms
Revenue
KES 620,424
Occupancy
22.6%
Daily rate
KES 8,932
Serene Petals - 2bedrooms airbnb Serene Petals - 2bedrooms airbnb Entire home · 2 bedrooms
Revenue
KES 593,146
Occupancy
32.9%
Daily rate
KES 5,065
prestige Meets Serenity 009 prestige Meets Serenity 009 Entire home · 1 bedroom
Revenue
KES 541,433
Occupancy
16.1%
Daily rate
KES 7,961

Nearby markets

Machakos Central ward vs. Nearby Airbnb Markets

Of the eight nearby markets in the table, all within 64 km, Nairobi (58 km away) earned the most per listing, about 21% more than Machakos Central ward. Tatu City was the busiest, booked on 36% of nights against 21% in Machakos Central ward.

Airbnb markets near Machakos Central ward: distance, revenue, nightly rate and occupancy
MarketListingsAvg. annual revenueAvg. nightly rateOccupancy
Pridelands 36 km32KES 104,331KES 3,34332%
Syokimau-Mulolongo ward 41 km49KES 489,591KES 7,47627%
Nairobi 58 km5,033KES 548,414KES 7,51633%
Tatu City 58 km49KES 363,412KES 5,56936%
Ongata Rongai 58 km30KES 130,963KES 4,07025%
Kiambu Township ward 59 km47KES 236,715KES 5,30429%
Ruaka 64 km80KES 213,832KES 4,21731%
Ndenderu ward 64 km55KES 256,108KES 4,60127%

Other Airbnb Markets in Machakos County

See all 8 Machakos County Airbnb markets

Markets Similar to Machakos Central ward

Markets elsewhere in Kenya with a similar nightly rate and occupancy to Machakos Central ward:

FAQ

Machakos Central ward Airbnb FAQ

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Machakos Central ward?

An active Machakos Central ward Airbnb grossed KES 454,669 on average in the 12 months to April 2025, according to AirROI's tracking of 32 active listings. That is before cleaning, management, taxes and financing. Busier, better-run listings do far better: the top quarter took in KES 85,300 or more in a typical month.

How much can I make on Airbnb in Machakos Central ward?

It depends most on the home's size, location and how it's run. The middle half of Machakos Central ward listings earn between KES 23,500 and KES 85,300 in a typical month, and the top tenth KES 226,000 or more. For one home, enter its address and bedroom count in the Airbnb income calculator: it compares the home with similar listings nearby.

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Machakos Central ward?

Listings in Machakos Central ward were booked on 21% of available nights over the past year. That compares with 28% for the Machakos County average. December was the busiest month.

How much does an Airbnb cost per night in Machakos Central ward?

The average booked night in Machakos Central ward cost KES 6,351 before fees. Half of listings charge between KES 2,755 and KES 6,555, so bedroom count and location move the price more than the average suggests.

Do you need a permit for an Airbnb in Machakos Central ward?

None of the active Machakos Central ward listings display a registration, permit or license number. That doesn't mean no rules apply, so confirm registration, permit and tourist-tax rules with the local authority before buying.

Is Airbnb profitable in Machakos Central ward?

Yes, when it's run well. The average Machakos Central ward Airbnb grossed KES 454,669 in the 12 months to April 2025, 43% above the Machakos County average of KES 317,387, counting listings open only part of the year. A listing at the top-quarter mark, run by its owner with everyday costs for Airbnb's fee, utilities, supplies, upkeep and insurance, has about KES 53,200 a month left before the mortgage or rent, so a home that costs less than that to own or rent makes a profit. Check a specific home in the Airbnb calculator.

When is Airbnb peak season in Machakos Central ward?

May paid best over the past year, at KES 181,000 per active listing, and December paid least. The month-by-month table above shows how rates and bookings each move.

How far in advance do guests book Airbnbs in Machakos Central ward?

Machakos Central ward stays were booked 3 days before arrival on average over the past year, so a listing can still fill close to the date.

What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Machakos Central ward?

Machakos Town, Kangundo and Mlolongo draw the most short-term rental interest in Machakos Central ward. The neighborhood guide explains what brings guests to each.

How many Airbnbs are there in Machakos Central ward?

AirROI counted 32 active Airbnb listings in Machakos Central ward as of April 2025. The closest tracked market is Pridelands, 36 km away.

Method

About This Data

Figures on this page cover 32 active Airbnb listings in Machakos Central ward from May 2024 to April 2025 (trailing twelve months). AirROI refreshes them monthly from listing-level booking and calendar data covering 20+ million properties worldwide. AirROI measures bookings in US dollars; this page shows them in Kenyan shillings at KES 129 per US$, the typical rate from November 2025 to October 2026. Annual revenue averages every listing active during the period, including those listed for only part of it; monthly figures average the listings active in each month; the tier lists show the spread. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-assisted. See the methodology for definitions.

Need this programmatically? The same metrics are available through the AirROI Airbnb Data API and bulk downloads in the data portal.