Nairobi Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Nairobi County, Kenya
Is Airbnb profitable in Nairobi in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Nairobi, based on AirROI data from June 2024 to May 2025, reveals key trends in the bustling market of 4,247 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Nairobi, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Nairobi 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 Nairobi Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Nairobi (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Nairobi 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 Nairobi is typically December, while June often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Nairobi across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,407+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $844 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $406 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $167, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Nairobi
Nairobi Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Nairobi STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Decembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while June 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 Nairobi:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 77%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 55% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 30%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 14% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Nairobi
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Nairobi (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Nairobi involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Nairobi typically peaks in October and dips lowest during January. 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 $99+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $66 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $43 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $27 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Nairobi
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Nairobi (2025)
Peak Season (December, January, February)
- Revenue averages $713 per month
- Occupancy rates average 40.9%
- Daily rates average $58
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $642 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 36.7%
- Daily rates hold near $59
Low Season (May, June, November)
- Revenue drops to average $496 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 29.2%
- Daily rates adjust to average $59
Seasonality Insights for Nairobi
- The Airbnb seasonality in Nairobi 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 Nairobi's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $727, occupancy reaching a high of 42.6%, and ADRs peaking at $59.
- 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 $440, occupancy could drop to 26.9%, and ADRs may adjust down to $58.
- 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 Nairobi.
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 Nairobi seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Nairobi (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Nairobi? 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Westlands | A vibrant and upscale neighborhood known for its nightlife, dining, and shopping options. It attracts both tourists and business travelers looking for a lively atmosphere and convenience to major attractions. | Kazuri Beads Women's Factory, Sarit Centre, Westgate Shopping Mall, The Oval, Lavington Mall |
| Karen | An affluent suburb known for its greenery and spacious homes. It's popular with tourists seeking a peaceful stay while still being close to Nairobi's main attractions, especially the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. | David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, Kazuri Beads, Bomas of Kenya |
| Nairobi CBD | The central business district is a hub for commerce and communication. This area attracts business travelers and those in Nairobi for short stays with easy access to various offices and amenities. | Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Uhuru Park, Nairobi National Museum, National Archives, Bomas of Kenya |
| Ngong | Known for its scenic views and cooler climate, Ngong is an appealing option for nature lovers and those seeking a getaway from the city heat, while still being within reach of Nairobi's attractions. | Ngong Hills, Kazuri Beads, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Bomas of Kenya, Giraffe Centre |
| Runda | A tranquil and luxurious neighborhood ideal for long-term stays. Runda attracts expatriates and affluent travelers looking for a quieter side of Nairobi with beautiful homes and gardens. | United Nations Office at Nairobi, Sarit Expo Centre, Westgate Shopping Mall, Bomas of Kenya, The Village Market |
| Kileleshwa | An upmarket residential area that is increasingly popular with both locals and tourists. Kileleshwa offers a mix of suburban comfort while being close to the city amenities and attractions. | Kilimani Mall, Kileleshwa Shopping Centre, Yaya Centre, Adventures in Africa, Nairobi National Park |
| Lang'ata | This area is appealing for its accessibility to Nairobi National Park and various wildlife attractions, making it a good choice for eco-tourists and families. | Nairobi National Park, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Nairobi Giraffe Centre, Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi Railway Museum |
| Eastleigh | A lively and diverse neighborhood known for its markets and cultural experiences. It attracts travelers looking for a vibrant local experience away from the typical tourist spots. | Eastleigh Market, Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Tusker Ndogo, Shahmony Halaal Restaurant, Gikambura Forest |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Nairobi (2025)
While Nairobi, Nairobi 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 Nairobi to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 8% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Nairobi (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Nairobibased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Charming Thigiri Villa
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Ol Losowan House with pool in Karen Nairobi
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
The Jungle Oasis Duplex with heated pool
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Charming 1 bedroom apartment-10 min walk to Sarit
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
The Artists' Cottage - 2 BR, office, amazing patio
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
5Beds| 4BA Great Family-home in Westlands LaxComfy
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Nairobi (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Nairobi 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seykou | 44 | $283,570 | 591 | 4.69/5.0 |
| Wonderiss Homes | 19 | $220,260 | 199 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Sidney | 5 | $188,204 | 454 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Kenn | 11 | $150,169 | 370 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Mathew | 28 | $130,317 | 400 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Phoebe & Dan | 6 | $128,580 | 257 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Yvonne | 14 | $125,524 | 311 | 4.82/5.0 |
| Peris | 6 | $117,961 | 559 | 4.93/5.0 |
| YourHost | 14 | $117,918 | 277 | 4.68/5.0 |
| Kennedy’s Residences L.P. | 16 | $117,901 | 399 | 4.86/5.0 |
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 Nairobi.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Nairobi STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Nairobi. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsNairobi Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Nairobi
- The Nairobi Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 92.6% of the 4,247 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Nairobi, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (89.9%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, others, unique stays, outdoor/unique (combined 3.9%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Nairobi Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Nairobi
- The dominant room capacity in Nairobi is 1 bedroom listings, making up 51.1% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 79.0% of the active Airbnb listings in Nairobi, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- With over half the market (51.1%) consisting of studios or 1-bedroom units, Nairobi is particularly well-suited for individuals or couples.
Nairobi Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Nairobi
- The most common guest capacity trend in Nairobi vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (51.1%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Nairobi STR market, accounting for 77.0% of listings.
- A significant 52.4% of listings cater specifically to 1-2 guests, highlighting strong demand from couples and solo travelers in Nairobi.
- 11.5% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Nairobi.
- On average, properties in Nairobi are equipped to host 3.1 guests.
Nairobi Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Nairobi
- The most common availability pattern in Nairobi falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 72.1% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 92.0% 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 Nairobi (39.6%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 8.5% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Nairobi Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
2828 listings
69.1% of total
2 Nights
591 listings
14.4% of total
3 Nights
157 listings
3.8% of total
4-6 Nights
93 listings
2.3% of total
7-29 Nights
75 listings
1.8% of total
30+ Nights
348 listings
8.5% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Nairobi is 1 Night, adopted by 69.1% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (83.5%) of the Nairobi 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 69.1% of Nairobi hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 8.5% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Nairobi.
Nairobi Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Super Strict 30 Days
1 listings
0% of total
Flexible
2155 listings
61.9% of total
Moderate
695 listings
20% of total
Firm
301 listings
8.7% of total
Strict
327 listings
9.4% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Nairobi
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Nairobi is Flexible, used by 61.9% of listings.
- The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 81.9% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in Nairobi may expect booking flexibility.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (9.4%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 61.9% market standard in Nairobi.
- Given the high prevalence of Flexible policies (61.9%), offering this can enhance booking appeal, especially during shoulder seasons.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 9.4% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Nairobi.
Nairobi STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Nairobi
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Nairobi is 17 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during June (average 24 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in July (average 14 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Winter (21 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (17 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (17 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Nairobi.
- Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 21 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Nairobi averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Nairobi (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Nairobi
- Essential amenities in Nairobi that guests expect include: Wifi, TV, Free parking on premises, Kitchen. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Hot water, Iron, Washer are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Nairobi: Wifi, TV, Free parking on premises, Kitchen.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, TV, Free parking on premises, Kitchen.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Hot water 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 Nairobi to stay competitive.
Nairobi Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Nairobi
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Nairobi consists of predominantly international visitors (78%), with top international origins including Kenya, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Swahili.
- Domestic travelers account for 22.1% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (25.1%) and Kenya (22.1%).
- Top languages spoken are English (51.4%) followed by Swahili (11.4%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from Kenya.
- 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 Nairobi 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ewuaso Oonkidong'i ward | 16 | $1,524 | $188.15 | 23% |
| Olkaria ward | 39 | $1,463 | $196.14 | 33% |
| Keekonyokie ward | 18 | $1,429 | $171.12 | 32% |
| Malewa West ward | 38 | $1,416 | $209.37 | 26% |
| Naro Moru | 12 | $1,085 | $183.22 | 24% |
| Oloosirkon/Sholinke ward | 18 | $884 | $100.76 | 40% |
| Ngecha Tigoni ward | 11 | $828 | $144.12 | 28% |
| Maiella ward | 16 | $751 | $170.77 | 22% |
| Viwandani ward | 65 | $721 | $80.86 | 25% |
| Kinanie ward | 13 | $674 | $152.93 | 18% |