Airbnb Addresses Govt Claims Their Properties Are Becoming Drug Dens

Airbnb has responded to claims by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) that its properties are being used as hubs for drug trafficking and abuse in Kenya.

In an email in response to a story done by Viral Tea, Airbnb revealed that its name is often used as a general term for short-term rental accommodations, making it easy for people to generalise every other rental accommodation platform as one of their own.

"Airbnb is often used as a catch-all term to describe a number of different types of short-term letting accommodation, and has previously been incorrectly linked to issues involving other platforms.

"Airbnb is working to identify locations used for illegal purposes. Airbnb’s advice to hosts on safety and security in Kenya - and Africa broadly - is clear," the statement read in part.

Emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety standards, the vacation rental company reiterated that clients must adhere to strict policies, community guidelines, and terms of service.

To address security concerns, the company provides an option to cancel reservations, stating that clients have the right to decline accommodation if it has received multiple negative reviews. Similarly, clients can cancel a booking if no profile information about the rental apartment is available online.

In addition to a 24-hour in-app safety hotline, the company expressed its commitment to working with law enforcement agencies to combat criminal activities, including sharing data on offenders when necessary.

This came after NACADA, in its statement, noted with growing concern the increasing trend where private rental spaces, particularly Airbnb accommodations, are being turned into drug dens. According to the authority, recent incidents revealed that these premises are being misused for drug-fueled parties, illicit alcohol consumption, and, in some cases, tragic fatalities due to substance overdoses.

NACADA revealed that in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, it has been conducting sustained crackdowns on illicit drug operations in entertainment venues, residential areas, and major urban centers.

"This enforcement pressure has forced individuals involved in the illegal drug trade to shift their activities to seemingly discreet locations such as Airbnbs where they attempt to evade scrutiny," read the statement in part, adding "Over the past year, multiple reports have emerged of young people having indulged in drugs in Airbnbs, in some incidences leading to deadly overdose."

In Nairobi, a string of such cases raised alarms about the urgent need for firmer monitoring and regulation of short-term rental accommodations.

A report by NACADA indicated that 23 percent of young adults aged 18- 24 in urban areas have engaged in drug use at social gatherings, with the authority revealing that private venues such as Airbnbs account for a significant percentage of these cases.

"This situation calls for immediate action from all stakeholders, and we urge Airbnb hosts and property managers to exercise due diligence in screening guests and flagging any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities," added the authority.

NACADA reaffirmed its commitment to fighting drug and alcohol abuse in all forms, adding that it is intensifying surveillance, awareness campaigns, and collaborations with the police, county governments, and private sector players to curb the emerging threat.

Parents, guardians, and communities were further tasked to remain vigilant and actively engage young people in constructive activities to steer them away from the dangers of drug abuse.