Kisumu Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Kisumu County, Kenya
Is Airbnb profitable in Kisumu in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Kisumu, Kisumu County, Kenya to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Kisumu, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 165 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Kisumu, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Kisumu Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Kisumu Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Kisumu (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Kisumu is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Kisumu is typically April, while September often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Kisumu across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,007+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $555 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $273 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $112, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Kisumu
Kisumu Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Kisumu STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Decembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while November experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Kisumu:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 58%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 38% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 19%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 10% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Kisumu
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Kisumu (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Kisumu involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Kisumu typically peaks in December and dips lowest during November. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $75+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $53 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $32 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $21 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Kisumu
Get Live Kisumu Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Kisumu (2025)
Peak Season (April, May, June)
- Revenue averages $585 per month
- Occupancy rates average 28.4%
- Daily rates average $42
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $421 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 26.8%
- Daily rates hold near $43
Low Season (September, October, November)
- Revenue drops to average $316 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 23.4%
- Daily rates adjust to average $42
Seasonality Insights for Kisumu
- The Airbnb seasonality in Kisumu shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Kisumu's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $607, occupancy reaching a high of 34.0%, and ADRs peaking at $44.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $308, occupancy could drop to 22.4%, and ADRs may adjust down to $42.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Kisumu.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Kisumu seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Kisumu (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Kisumu? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Milimani | An upscale residential area with beautiful views of Lake Victoria. Known for its quiet streets and proximity to tourist attractions, making it a desirable area for tourists seeking comfort and relaxation. | Kisumu Museum, Dunga Hill Camp, Lake Victoria, Impala Sanctuary, Kisumu Pier |
| West Kisumu | Close to the city center and the lake, this area is great for travelers looking for convenient access to amenities and local attractions while still enjoying a peaceful environment. | Kisumu National Polytechnic, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, West End Mall, Bontana Beach, Kisumu Waterfront |
| Oginga Odinga Street | This area is bustling with local culture and commerce, offering a vibrant atmosphere that attracts visitors interested in the local lifestyle and businesses. | Kisumu City Market, Mega City Mall, Kisumu Railways Station, Oginga Odinga Park, local eateries |
| Ahero | Located slightly outside of Kisumu, Ahero is known for its agricultural sites and tranquility, attracting visitors looking for a rural experience close to the city. | Ahero Rice Irrigation Scheme, Rural agriculture tours, Local markets |
| Kisumu Central | The heart of Kisumu, offering easy access to key attractions and a mix of urban and cultural experiences, making it ideal for business travelers and tourists alike. | Kisumu County Headquarters, Kisumu Port, Uhanya Market, local restaurants, cultural sites |
| Nyando | A suburban area with a more laid-back vibe, suited for families and guests looking for a quieter stay while still being close to Kisumu's highlights. | Lake Victoria beaches, Nyando River, municipal parks, fishing trips |
| Riat Hills | Known for its scenic views and luxurious accommodations, Riat Hills attracts visitors seeking a serene environment away from the hustle of the city while still close to amenities. | Riat Hills Viewpoint, natural trails, upscale restaurants, exclusive resorts |
| Lwang'ni Beach | A popular beach destination that offers a laid-back atmosphere, great for tourists wanting to experience the lakeside culture and activities. | beachfront activities, local seafood restaurants, boat rides on Lake Victoria, cultural experiences |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Kisumu (2025)
While Kisumu, Kisumu County, Kenya currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Kisumu to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Kisumu (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Kisumubased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Hill Camp View Villa- 5 bedroom
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
white hill villa Kisumu
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
4bedroom own compound milimani kisumu,0704734109
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Lakefront Villa (6) Del Sol: 6 bed
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
3Bed 3 baths CBD Ksm. Lift/backup Gen0722732628
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
GTen's Gardens 3 Bedroom House with large compound
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Kisumu (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Kisumu based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ericka | 10 | $46,643 | 233 | 4.39/5.0 |
| Michelle | 7 | $34,629 | 36 | 2.75/5.0 |
| Lucie | 8 | $31,262 | 190 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Aireen | 5 | $27,450 | 45 | 3.96/5.0 |
| Host #31689072 | 1 | $21,468 | 0 | 0.00/5.0 |
| Mitchelle | 5 | $18,294 | 116 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Rachel And Lorine | 1 | $16,018 | 54 | 4.67/5.0 |
| Rachell | 4 | $15,114 | 52 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Judith | 10 | $15,022 | 60 | 2.93/5.0 |
| Florence | 4 | $13,487 | 36 | 3.38/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Kisumu.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Kisumu STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Kisumu. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsKisumu Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Kisumu
- The Kisumu Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 95.2% of the 165 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Kisumu, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (67.3%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 30.9% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, others (combined 1.8%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Kisumu Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Kisumu
- The dominant room capacity in Kisumu is 1 bedroom listings, making up 43% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 67.8% of the active Airbnb listings in Kisumu, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 27.3% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Kisumu.
Kisumu Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Kisumu
- The most common guest capacity trend in Kisumu vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (45.5%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Kisumu STR market, accounting for 68.5% of listings.
- A significant 45.5% of listings cater specifically to 1-2 guests, highlighting strong demand from couples and solo travelers in Kisumu.
- 26.7% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Kisumu.
- On average, properties in Kisumu are equipped to host 3.7 guests.
Kisumu Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Kisumu
- The most common availability pattern in Kisumu falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 76.4% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 94.6% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 1-30 days range is most frequent in Kisumu (41.8%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 6.1% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Kisumu Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
128 listings
82.1% of total
2 Nights
12 listings
7.7% of total
4-6 Nights
3 listings
1.9% of total
7-29 Nights
1 listings
0.6% of total
30+ Nights
12 listings
7.7% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Kisumu is 1 Night, adopted by 82.1% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (89.8%) of the Kisumu Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 82.1% of Kisumu hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 7.7% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Kisumu.
Kisumu Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Flexible
66 listings
55% of total
Moderate
16 listings
13.3% of total
Firm
17 listings
14.2% of total
Strict
21 listings
17.5% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Kisumu
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Kisumu is Flexible, used by 55% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (68.3%) and stricter (31.7%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 55% market standard in Kisumu.
- Given the high prevalence of Flexible policies (55%), offering this can enhance booking appeal, especially during shoulder seasons.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Kisumu.
Kisumu STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Kisumu
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Kisumu is 26 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during January (average 35 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in September (average 14 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Winter (32 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (18 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (26 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Kisumu.
- During September, focus on last-minute booking availability and promotions, as guests book with very short notice (14 days avg.).
- Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 32 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Kisumu averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Kisumu (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Kisumu
- Essential amenities in Kisumu that guests expect include: TV, Wifi, Free parking on premises, Kitchen. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Essentials, Iron, Hot water are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Kisumu: TV, Wifi, Free parking on premises, Kitchen.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: TV, Wifi, Free parking on premises, Kitchen.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Essentials or Iron to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Kisumu to stay competitive.
Kisumu Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Kisumu
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Kisumu consists of a mix of domestic (47%) and international guests, with top international origins including United States, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Swahili.
- Domestic travelers account for 46.5% of guests.
- Key international markets include Kenya (46.5%) and United States (24.3%).
- Top languages spoken are English (55.3%) followed by Swahili (16.7%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Balance marketing efforts between domestic and international channels based on the guest mix.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Kisumu Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siana ward | 10 | $502 | $181.02 | 22% |
| Jinja | 77 | $418 | $67.74 | 24% |
| Kitale | 11 | $236 | $46.49 | 25% |
| Simat/ | 14 | $217 | $43.72 | 21% |
| Kipkenyo ward | 22 | $210 | $36.86 | 26% |
| Racecourse ward | 34 | $196 | $51.47 | 24% |
| Kapsoya ward | 29 | $119 | $40.58 | 25% |
| Sheywe ward | 13 | $110 | $27.78 | 30% |
| Bungoma Township ward | 13 | $104 | $27.04 | 23% |
| Busia | 10 | $81 | $23.37 | 19% |