The Government has directed all short-term accommodation rentals to register with the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) in a move to mitigate the recent rise in femicide cases.
In a statement on Wednesday, January 31, Interior Principal Raymond Omollo together with his counterparts Anne Wang’ombe, Beatrice Inyangala, and John Ololtuaa said the registration process would ensure that all accommodation spaces meet the highest standards of safety and security for guests.
“Starting from 5th February 2024, National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOS), in collaboration with the TRA, will commence stringent inspections of all registered properties. We will subsequently coordinate with booking platforms to restrict unregistered rentals and further institute severe penalties, including fines and revocation in cases of non-compliance,” read the statement in part.
At the same time, PS Omollo noted that security guards would be required to record the identification details of all individuals entering these premises, documenting their time of entry and exit, and to retain all visitors' identification documents temporarily.
“Moreover, these measures mandate the installation of CCTV surveillance systems, ensuring that the footage recording remains consistently up-to-date,” the Interior PS stated.
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Omollo urged resident associations to work closely with law enforcement agencies for effective enforcement.
He also called on all stakeholders in the short-term rental sector to adhere to the regulations to ensure a safe environment for all individuals regardless of gender.
“It's crucial that stakeholders at all levels Government, community, individuals and international actors collaborate to create a safer environment for women and hold perpetrators accountable,” PS Omollo added.
The directive comes a day after the DCI formed a special team to deal with the femicide cases.
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