The idea of starting Airbnb business came in 2023. I had a capital of Ksh 300,000, money I had saved in a Sacco. I added Ksh 300,000 to make the total capital Ksh500,000. This is the money I started the business with.
Capital required
The capital required depends on the number of rooms and licenses. Furnishing my one bedroom house cost me Ksh 300,000. I also spent Ksh150,000 to furnish my bedsitter.I also installed CCTV at the entrance. Total cost was Ksh 500,000.
Requirements
I was required to pay tax to KRA, license for the business, license and clearance from Kenya Tourism and Regulatory Board. I also got cleared by NEMA. The total amount I spent on regulations is Ksh 56,000.
Challenges faced
One of the challenges was regulations and licenses. Another one is getting capital for the business. For clients to enjoy my services, I had to furnish the rooms well by buying high quality seats ,chairs and cooking items.
Another challenge is getting someone to manage my business because I am busy with other work.
Profits
From my bedsitter, I earn Ksh 15,000 to Ksh30,000 per month depending on the number of customers hosted. End month and festive seasons are the best. I also make Ksh 20,000 to Ksh 40,000 per month from my one-bedroom house.
In this business, the more rooms the higher the profits.
How I market my business
I have listed the business at Airbnb.com site and Booking.com . I get several clients from those sites. I also market on social media and YouTube. I also get clients through referrals.
