Airbnb Market Analytics, Statistics and Data in Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Last updated: 2025-01-31
Looking to make more money with hosting or rental arbitraging Airbnbs, short-term rentals, vacation rentals in Nairobi? AirROI have just the data insights! Over the last twelve months from February 2024 to January 2025, we've uncovered key trends and opportunities that successful hosts are leveraging in Nairobi:
How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month in Nairobi?
The short-term rental market in Nairobi shows distinct revenue patterns across different property tiers. Our analysis reveals that successful properties combine strategic pricing with quality management to maximize earnings potential. Market data demonstrates clear revenue differentiation among properties:
- Typical properties (median) earn $622 per month
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) make $1,155 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) achieve $1,778+ monthly
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) typically earn around $232
Revenue Variations by Month
Occupancy Rates Throughout the Year in Nairobi
The market in Nairobi shows distinct occupancy patterns influenced by seasonal trends and local dynamics. Properties that maintain high guest satisfaction scores and implement strategic pricing consistently achieve stronger occupancy rates. Current market data shows:
- Typical properties (median) maintain 33% occupancy rates
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) achieve 61% or higher
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) reach 81%+occupancy
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) average around 14%
Occupancy Variations by Month
Average Daily Rates Seasonal Trends in Nairobi
Daily rates in Nairobi vary based on seasonality, property quality, and market dynamics. Properties that effectively balance competitive pricing with strong amenities typically command higher rates. Market analysis shows the following rate structure:
- Typical properties (median) generate $43 per night
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) secure $64 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) pull in $92+ per night
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn around $28
Daily Rate Variations by Month
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Seasonality patterns in Nairobi
Peak Season (April, June, May)
- Revenue peaks at $998.64 per month
- Occupancy rates reach 42.34%
- Daily rates average $59.55
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $822.08 per month
- Occupancy maintains 38.49%
- Daily rates hold at $56.44
Low Season (August, January, September)
- Revenue drops to $653.84 per month
- Occupancy decreases to 33.62%
- Daily rates adjust to $52.87
Is it still profitable to do Airbnb in Nairobi in 2025?
Yes! Nairobi demonstrates moderate seasonality with good off-peak opportunities, featuring a growing occupancy rate of 38% and monthly revenue averaging $822 and As a mature market with 3771 active listings, there's strong demand despite the competition. There's also room for profit through rental arbitrage strategies, if you can identify competitively priced properties. To maximize your return on investment, consider employing the following strategies:
Peak Season Strategy
- Implement premium seasonal pricing strategies
- Set longer minimum stay requirements during high-demand periods
- Enforce stricter cancellation policies
Shoulder Season Strategy
- Maintain competitive market-based pricing
- Offer moderate-length stay incentives
- Target a mix of leisure and business travelers with flexible booking terms
- Focus on weekend getaway packages and mid-week business traveler promotions
Low Season Strategy
- Adjust pricing to remain competitive in the market
- Target different guest segments (business travelers, long-term stays, holiday visitors, event attendees, remote workers)
- Create targeted promotional campaigns to drive occupancy
Top Places to Start Airbnb in Nairobi
| Area | Why Choose This Area | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Westlands | A vibrant area known for its nightlife, shopping, and dining options. It's popular among both locals and tourists, making it a prime location for short-term rentals. | Sarit Centre, Westgate Mall, Nairobi National Museum, Kazuri Beads Women Factory, Brew Bistro, The Galaxy |
| Karen | A serene and affluent suburb known for its green spaces and rich history. Home to various attractions such as galleries and nature parks, appealing to families and tourists. | Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, Bomas of Kenya, Oloolua Nature Trail, Kazuri Beads, The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust |
| Nairobi CBD | The central business district, bustling with activity and close to several corporate offices and attractions. A great location for business travelers. | Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Nairobi National Museum, Uhuru Park, Maasai Market, Duruma Rd art galleries |
| Lang'ata | A tranquil neighborhood with family-friendly parks and proximity to wildlife attractions. Ideal for tourists seeking a mix of urban and natural escapades. | Nairobi National Park, Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi Railway Museum, Giraffe Centre, The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust |
| Eastleigh | Known as the little Mogadishu, it's famous for its shopping and vibrant culture. Popular among tourists looking for authentic local experiences. | Eastleigh Shopping Complex, Mogadishu Way, Local food markets, Historic Muslim architecture, Cultural festivals |
| Kilimani | A trendy neighborhood with a mix of apartments, cafes, and bars. Popular with young professionals and expats looking for a more urban lifestyle. | Yaya Centre, Kilimani Central Park, Local coffee shops, Kilimani Market, Art cafes |
| Runda | An upscale residential area known for its spacious homes and greenery. Attractive for those looking for a quiet retreat close to the city. | Runda Waterfall, Runda Park, Local fine dining restaurants, Kazuri Beads Factory |
| Mombasa Road | An important transport hub with growing amenities and proximity to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, ideal for transient visitors. | Panari Sky Centre, Sarit Centre, Nairobi National Park, Various hotels and lodging options |
Do you need a license for Airbnb in Nairobi?
We recommend checking directly with Nairobi's local government regarding short-term rental licensing requirements. Current market data shows limited licensing information (0% of listings), making it essential to verify current regulations before starting your Airbnb business.
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Nairobi
Charming Thigiri Villa
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
The Jungle Oasis Duplex with heated pool
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Pazuri Karen Home
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Ol Losowan House with pool in Karen Nairobi
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Lovely 2BR w/Perfect Views/Gym/Pool-Yaya, Kilimani
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
VILLAGE VILLA -FURNISHED HOMESTAY BY UN, NAIROBI
Entire Place • 15 bedrooms
Top Performing Professional Hosts in Nairobi
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seykou | 36 | $276,942 | 446 | 3.90/5.0 |
| Wonderiss Homes | 14 | $204,338 | 181 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Yayo | 10 | $191,810 | 297 | 4.66/5.0 |
| Sidney | 5 | $186,987 | 454 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Kenn | 11 | $183,297 | 370 | 4.47/5.0 |
| Mathew | 17 | $181,141 | 335 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Kennedy’s Residences L.P. | 17 | $158,920 | 456 | 4.60/5.0 |
| YourHost | 5 | $148,798 | 223 | 4.70/5.0 |
| Sherry | 32 | $137,637 | 984 | 4.09/5.0 |
| Fridah | 19 | $132,892 | 55 | 1.40/5.0 |
Additional analytics on vacation rental, real estate, short term rental data in Nairobi
AirROI also have other key metrics and comprehensive data for your vacation rental, real estate needs. Go explore the advanced metrics that can help you make informed decisions:
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Key Insights
- Market dominated by entire home listings (92.7%), with apartment & condo and house properties comprising 95.9% of inventory
- Untapped potential in boutique & hotels, others, unique stays, outdoor & mobile segments (4.1% combined)
Room Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 3,771 properties in Nairobi shows that 1 bedroom properties are most prevalent, making up 51.9% of the market. The market tends to favor smaller properties, with 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms together representing 79.4% of all listings.
Key Insights
- Most common: 1 bedroom (51.9%)
- Least common: 5+ bedrooms (1%)
- Market concentration: 79.4% in top 2 sizes
- Market skew: Favors smaller properties
Guest Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 3,771 properties in Nairobi reveals that 2 guests properties dominate the market, representing 51.9% of all listings. The average property accommodates 3.0 guests, with a clear trend towards smaller guest capacities. Properties accommodating 2 guests and 4 guests make up 76.9% of the market.
Key Insights
- Most common capacity: 2 guests (51.9% of market)
- Least common capacity: 7 guests (0.8% of market)
- Average guest capacity: 3.0 guests per property
- Market concentration: 76.9% in top 2 capacity sizes
- Market segmentation: Predominantly smaller guest capacities
Booking and Availability Patterns
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Among 3,771 properties in Nairobi, the most common availability pattern is 271-366 days (60.6% of properties). For actual bookings, properties most frequently secure bookings for 1-30 days (31.1% of properties).
Key Insights
- Most common availability window: 271-366 days (60.6%)
- Most common booking duration: 1-30 days (31.1%)
- Properties with high availability (180+ days): 82.0%
- Properties with long-term bookings (180+ days): 18.9%
Minimum Stay Distributions
1 Night
2372 listings
70.2% of total
2 Nights
622 listings
18.4% of total
3 Nights
178 listings
5.3% of total
4-6 Nights
71 listings
2.1% of total
7-29 Nights
69 listings
2% of total
30+ Nights
67 listings
2% of total
Key Insights
- Short stays (1-2 nights) dominate the market at 88.6%
- Mid-length stays (4-6 nights) represent 2.1% of listings
- Monthly+ stays (2%) suggest a stable extended-stay market
- High market flexibility with 93.9% accepting 3 nights or less
Recommendations
- Set minimum stays between 2-3 nights to align with market standards
- Adjust minimum stays seasonally based on demand patterns
- Implement different minimum stays for weekends vs. weekdays
Cancellation Policy Distribution
Flexible
1583 listings
58.6% of total
Moderate
552 listings
20.4% of total
Firm
245 listings
9.1% of total
Strict
322 listings
11.9% of total
Key Insights
- Flexible is the preferred policy at 58.6% of listings
- Guest-friendly policies (Flexible & Moderate) dominate at 79.0% of the market
- Strong market consensus around Flexible policies
- Firm policies are least common at 9.1% of listings
Recommendations
- Consider starting with a Flexible policy to align with market preferences
- Strong market preference for Flexible policies suggests this should be your baseline
- Consider generous cancellation terms as a competitive advantage
Booking Lead Time Trends
Key Insights
- Peak booking lead times occur in Oct, Nov, Jan, averaging 29 days
- Shortest booking windows are in Apr, May, Sep, averaging 26 days
- Winter shows the longest average booking window at 28 days, while Spring has the shortest at 26 days
Recommendations
- Implement dynamic pricing strategies for Winter bookings at least 28 days in advance
- Consider early bird discounts during Spring to encourage longer lead times
- Focus on last-minute booking promotions during Apr-Sep when lead times are shortest
Popular Airbnb Amenities in Nairobi
Below is the distribution of amenities across listings in Nairobi:
Traveler Demographics
Key Insights
- Domestic travelers make up 22.8% of total guests, indicating a moderate local market presence.
- Primary international markets: Kenya (34.3%) and United Kingdom (15.8%)
- English is the top language at 61.9%, followed by Swahili (13.2%)
- Notable demographic segment in <=1950s (Pre-1950s (Silent Gen)) at 3.3%
Recommendations
- Target marketing campaigns for Nairobi and London markets
- Develop localized content for Kenya and United Kingdom
- Prioritize English and Swahili language support
- Tailor experiences for Pre-1950s (Silent Gen) while maintaining broad age appeal
- Implement seasonal promotions aligned with key market travel patterns
Nearby Markets
Explore short-term rental performance in markets surrounding Nairobi. These nearby markets offer diverse opportunities for property investors and hosts:
| Market | Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ewuaso Oonkidong'i ward | 11 | $2,134 | $184.99 | 29% |
| Keekonyokie ward | 18 | $1,778 | $166.05 | 35% |
| Olkaria ward | 34 | $1,685 | $171.82 | 35% |
| Malewa West ward | 37 | $1,439 | $202.61 | 27% |
| Kapkures ward | 10 | $1,077 | $106.57 | 30% |
| Oloosirkon/Sholinke ward | 19 | $1,010 | $93.90 | 40% |
| Kinanie ward | 14 | $920 | $131.62 | 18% |
| Naro Moru | 16 | $897 | $157.49 | 24% |
| Maiella ward | 12 | $871 | $136.06 | 25% |
| Viwandani ward | 66 | $833 | $88.16 | 28% |
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