Airbnb has responded to allegations that its rental properties are being used as hubs for drug trafficking and abuse in Kenya.
In a statement obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, Airbnb explained that its brand name is often used as a general term for short-term rental accommodations, making it easy to generalise every other rental accommodation platform as one of their own.
The company further stressed that it actively works to identify and prevent illegal activities in all its listings—in Kenya and beyond.
"Airbnb is often used as a catch-all term to describe a number of different types of short-term letting accommodation," the company's statement read, adding, "We are working to identify locations used for illegal purposes."
While reiterating the importance of upholding safety standards, the company further reiterated that their clients must abide by strict policies, community standards, and terms of service.
Security concerns are typically addressed through the provision of the option to cancel reservations, with the company adding that it is well within the client's rights to walk away from a piece of accommodation if they have received multiple unfavourable reviews.
Similarly, a client has the right to cancel a reservation if there is no profile information about a rental apartment online.
Besides having a 24-hour in-app safety line, the company also expressed willingness with law-enforcement agencies to fight criminal activities, including sharing data of culprits where necessary.
The response follows a recent alert by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), which flagged Airbnb as a key facilitator of illegal drug trade and substance abuse in Kenya.
On Monday, NACADA expressed concerns that private short-term rental spaces are contributing to the rise of drug misuse, especially among young people.
The authority warned that the privacy offered by such rentals makes them attractive for illegal gatherings, including drug-related activities that may go undetected by law enforcement.
NACADA also called for stricter monitoring and regulations of short-term rental accommodations. The authority further urged immediate action from stakeholders while warning Airbnb hosts against neglecting due diligence in screening guests.
