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." Photo of NACADA Acting CEO John Muteti Photo NACADA 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.
