Shock as Kisumu County Orders Airbnb Shutdown and Enforces Strict New Safety Measures
In Summary: Kisumu County has ordered the closure of all Airbnbs in Kisumu City due to a surge in local crime. New safety measures include re-registration of properties, mandatory CCTV installation, and enhanced security personnel. The crackdown aims to restore safety in affected neighborhoods and curb rising criminal activities.
Kisumu County officials have ordered a temporary shutdown of all Airbnbs in Kisumu City in response to a rise in insecurity. Short-term rental operators are now required to re-register their properties before they can resume operations. According to City Manager Abala Wanga, new regulations will ensure that these rentals are located in safe neighborhoods and equipped with security features such as visitor registration desks, security personnel, and CCTV cameras.
This move is part of a broader effort to crack down on properties suspected of harboring criminals who have been terrorizing local residents. Wanga also announced that all hotels, bars, restaurants, and other commercial establishments must install CCTV systems with a surveillance range of 50-100 meters. A new command center has been set up by the city inspectorate to monitor these feeds and respond swiftly to incidents.
In a joint security meeting with the County Security Committee and other government officials, Wanga also revealed that boda boda operations in the Milimani estate have been temporarily banned. The ban follows a string of muggings and assaults that have occurred as early as 6:00 PM, mainly targeting people heading home from work.
To further address the issue, Kisumu plans to begin a boda boda registration drive next month. This initiative will map and zone all boda boda operators in the city, aiming to better monitor their activities and curb criminal behavior linked to the motorcycles.
Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo reassured the public that security forces are working relentlessly to arrest the criminal gangs behind the recent wave of crime. Six individuals involved in violent robberies have already been apprehended, with another hospitalized after being shot during an altercation with law enforcement.
"We're tracking them down one by one. They may run, but they can’t hide. We will catch them," Leparmorijo vowed.
He identified Nyamasaria, Mowlem, Riat, Mamboleo, Tom Mboya, Milimani, and Kisian as some of the hardest-hit areas and confirmed that additional security personnel have been deployed to restore order. He also urged residents not to panic and to cooperate with the authorities by sharing any useful information to aid the crackdown.
"This is a carefully planned, intelligence-driven operation," he assured. "Our officers are acting professionally, and we urge the public to be part of the solution by pointing out any suspicious activities or areas of concern."
Read More:
What's Your Reaction?
