Kisumu: The rapid growth of short-term rental accommodation in Kisumu is creating new opportunities for young entrepreneurs, many of whom are building thriving businesses without owning a single property.
According to Kenya News Agency, driven by the increasing popularity of Airbnb and the growing demand for affordable, flexible accommodation, young people are leveraging digital platforms to connect travellers with furnished apartments while generating employment and supporting the city’s expanding tourism and business sectors.
For Michael Najabi Mukoya, founder of Kisumu Living, the journey into the hospitality business began unexpectedly during a trip from Nairobi. “I had no plan. We were just looking for accommodation. I did not even know what Airbnb was at the time. That is when I learned it exists,” he recalled.
What started as a simple search for accommodation has evolved into a growing hospitality brand operating multiple short-term rental units across Kisumu. A graduate of Economics from Maseno University, Mukoya now works full-time in real estate and Airbnb management. Unlike many property investors, however, his business did not begin with ownership of apartments or significant financial resources.
Instead, he identified an opportunity to act as an intermediary between property owners and travellers looking for accommodation. “I had no capital, so I decided to become an agent. Airbnb requires money because you need to furnish apartments before you can begin. I therefore started by connecting hosts with guests,” he explained.
His biggest challenge in the early days was earning the confidence of potential clients. Without apartments to showcase or an established reputation, convincing travellers to trust his services proved difficult. The internet, however, became his greatest asset.
“The internet changed everything. I got my first clients through Facebook,” he said. Mukoya began posting available accommodation on Facebook Marketplace under the Kisumu Living brand, often marketing properties before securing long-term partnerships with hosts.
His breakthrough came when a client booked a one-bedroom apartment in Lolwe Estate. Although he lacked confidence at the time, the successful booking gave him the assurance that the business model could work.
From that moment, referrals increased steadily as more property owners entrusted him with managing their apartments. Today, Kisumu Living manages furnished apartments in several estates, including Milimani, Tom Mboya Estate, Makasembo, Polyview, Lolwe Estate, Mamboleo, Otonglo and the Central Business District.
The expansion mirrors wider changes taking place within Kisumu’s hospitality industry. As the lakeside city strengthens its position as a regional centre for conferences, education, trade, healthcare and domestic tourism, demand for alternative accommodation continues to grow.
According to the 2024 Kisumu County Statistical Abstract, the county had 133 classified hotels with a combined bed capacity of 3,650 in 2023. During the same period, Kisumu International Airport handled more than 277,000 passengers, highlighting the city’s growing importance as a transport, trade and tourism hub.
The increase in visitor numbers has created room for alternative accommodation models, particularly furnished apartments that offer greater privacy, kitchen facilities and flexible pricing compared to conventional hotels.
Mukoya says the business has also created employment opportunities for many young people. “We work with cleaners, maintenance personnel, photographers, online marketers and customer service providers. Every apartment creates work for several people.”
As the enterprise expanded, his role evolved beyond simply matching clients with accommodation. “We do not just provide a place to sleep. We aim to maximise our clients’ productivity while they are in Kisumu by ensuring they enjoy a comfortable stay.”
Digital marketing remains central to his business strategy. Mukoya actively promotes available apartments through Facebook, TikTok and other online platforms, saying visibility has become one of the most valuable business assets.
Although the business continues to grow, several challenges persist. Capital requirements remain a major obstacle for young entrepreneurs wishing to establish furnished apartments. Security also presents ongoing concerns, with occasional thefts of household items after guests leave.
Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about the future of the short-term rental business. His advice to young entrepreneurs is to embrace digital opportunities and focus on building trust. He also emphasises the importance of selecting suitable locations.
As Kisumu continues expanding into a regional business, education and tourism hub, industry observers expect demand for flexible accommodation to continue rising. For entrepreneurs like Mukoya, the growth represents more than a business opportunity. It demonstrates how innovation, persistence and digital technology are enabling young people to create sustainable enterprises despite limited access to capital.
