NACADA: Airbnbs Turned Into Drug Dens

Most private rental spaces, particularly Airbnb accommodations are being turned into drug dens.

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) has said recent incidents have 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, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, 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.

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 has raised alarms about the urgent need for firmer monitoring and regulation of short-term rental accommodations.

A report by Nacada indicates that 23 percent of young adults aged 18- 24 in urban areas have engaged in drug use at social gatherings, with private venues such as Airbnbs accounting 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.

“We are intensifying surveillance, awareness campaigns, and collaborations with the police, county governments, and private sector players to curb this emerging threat,” Nacada CEO Dr Anthony Omerikwa said.

He added: “Parents, guardians, and communities must also remain vigilant and actively engage young people in constructive activities to steer them away from the dangers of drug abuse.”

Last year, the government ordered that all persons checking into residential apartments, lodgings, and hospitality establishments must identify themselves and have their identification documents temporarily retained.

The Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA), in response to the alarming increase in reported incidences of crime including murder cases, happening within residential apartments and hotels, yesterday issued the directive to all private security providers.

“The directive is aimed at addressing the emerging trends of insecurity with a view to deterring criminal activities within these premises and to further safeguard the safety of residents and guests,” the former PSRA Director General Fazul Mohammed said.

“Section 48 of the Private Security Regulation Act empowers security service providers, security guard or officer shall require a person to identify themselves, register the time of entrance and exit of the person and retain temporarily the identification document of such person,” he added.