Launch. Optimize. Earn.
Launch Your Airbnb in Nairobi
We help property owners furnish, optimize, and launch high-performing short-term rentals — with proven results and transparent pricing.
Get Started
Already hosting? Get a free listing audit. Looking to start? Tell us about your project.
The ESA Difference
Most furnishing companies hand you a furnished apartment and walk away. We hand you a revenue-generating business.
- ✗ No Airbnb account setup
- ✗ No listing optimization
- ✗ No cleaner training
- ✗ No pricing strategy
- ✗ No launch support
- Airbnb & Booking.com setup
- Listing optimization & SEO
- Cleaner recruitment & training
- Data-driven pricing strategy
- Full launch support
Based on actual quotes from Nairobi-based interior design firms (2026).
Our Services
Everything you need to launch, optimize, or refresh your Airbnb property.
Full Furnishing Package
We take your empty unit to a fully bookable, guest-ready property in 4-6 weeks. Design, furnish, set up, and launch — everything handled.
Setup & Design
- Interior design & space planning
- Full furnishing sourcing & purchasing
- Coordinating workmen & installation
- Find and train a dedicated cleaner
- Cleaning checklists & SOPs
Launch & Optimize
- Airbnb & Booking.com account setup
- Listing SEO optimization
- Launch pricing strategy
- Guest message templates
- Hard & soft copy house manuals
Photography & Listing Optimization
Great furniture with bad photos is invisible. We fix that.
- Professional photography & video
- Listing title & description rewrite
- SEO optimization for Airbnb search
- Calendar & pricing settings review
- Competitor positioning analysis
Refresh / Restage
Your unit is furnished but underperforming. We diagnose why and fix it.
- Full property audit & assessment
- Updated soft furnishings & decor
- New professional photography
- Listing rewrite & repositioning
- Pricing strategy reset
- Updated house manuals
Free Listing Audit
Not sure what's holding you back? Send us your listing and we'll tell you — for free.
- Photo & visual quality review
- Title & description analysis
- Pricing vs. competitors
- Calendar & settings check
- Actionable recommendations
What Our Properties Earn
Projections at 75% occupancy based on our portfolio performance. After Airbnb platform fees.
1-Bedroom
2-Bedroom
Net after Airbnb platform fees (~18%). Does not include management, utilities, or operational costs.
Total investment = mid-range furniture + ESA setup fee. Actual costs quoted after site visit.
Based on past performance in specific Nairobi neighborhoods. Not guarantees.
Professional Management
Already set up and want to go fully hands-off? We selectively manage high-performing properties — or we'll connect you with a vetted management partner in our network.
- Guest communication & 24/7 support
- Cleaning coordination & quality control
- Dynamic pricing & revenue optimization
- Maintenance management
- Monthly reporting via owner portal
Why Our Properties Outperform
Precision Pricing
We research every competitor on the map, analyze booking patterns, and price for maximum revenue — not just occupancy.
5-Star Guest Experience
Hotel-grade cleaning, instant communication, curated interiors. Happy guests leave 5-star reviews. Reviews drive more bookings.
Listing Optimization
Professional photography, SEO-optimized titles, strategic positioning. Your unit doesn't just list — it stands out.
Data-Driven Decisions
We track 500+ Nairobi listings daily. Every recommendation we make is backed by real market data, not guesswork.
From Empty Unit to First Booking
4 steps. 4-6 weeks. That's it.
Site Visit & Quote
We visit your property, assess the space, and provide a detailed furnishing list with costs.
Design & Furnish
Custom interiors, sourcing, workmen coordination — 4-6 weeks from bare unit to guest-ready.
Launch
Professional photos, listing optimization, account setup. Your property goes live on Airbnb & Booking.com.
First Booking
First booking typically within 7-14 days of going live. You get paid directly by Airbnb.
Proven Across Nairobi
What Property Owners Say
“My apartments have been operating near full capacity, and guests consistently leave glowing reviews. I couldn't be happier with the results and highly recommend their services to any property owner. I'm excited to continue working with them!”
“Sustained occupancies of over 85% and rental rates above market, even compared to other units within the same building. We had one unit with another company, and the difference was night and day. Once we handed it over to the Elite Stays team, occupancy increased, income more than doubled, and ratings climbed. Highly recommended for anyone seeking strong passive rental returns.”
Get a Free Listing Audit
Not sure where to start? Submit your Airbnb link and we'll tell you exactly what's holding your listing back.
ESA University
A complete course series on how to crush it as an STR operator in Nairobi. From finding the right property to maximizing revenue — everything we've learned in 4+ years, packaged for you.
Three tiers from KES 25K. Early-bird pricing won't last.
See the CourseCommon Questions
Is Airbnb profitable in Nairobi?
Yes — when set up well. Our portfolio averages 75-85% occupancy with nightly rates well above market average. A well-set-up 2-bedroom in a good area can net the owner approximately KES 283,000 per month after Airbnb fees. Location, furnishing quality, and professional setup are the biggest factors. These figures are based on past performance and are not guarantees.
How much does it cost to furnish an Airbnb in Nairobi?
Furniture and materials typically run KES 800K–1.3M for a 1-bedroom and KES 1M–1.6M for a 2-bedroom — quoted at actual cost with full line-item transparency. On top of this is our flat setup fee (KES 250K for 1-bed, KES 350K for 2-bed), which covers interior design, sourcing, coordination, account setup, cleaner training, house manuals, launch strategy, and more. Photography and physical items are billed at cost with no markup. For a detailed breakdown, we offer a site visit for KES 10,000 — credited back in full if you hire us.
How much can I earn from an Airbnb in Kenya?
It depends on location, unit size, and setup quality. Based on our portfolio performance at 75% occupancy, a 1-bedroom can net approximately KES 210,000/month and a 2-bedroom approximately KES 283,000/month after Airbnb platform fees. These figures are based on past performance in specific neighborhoods and are not guarantees.
How does your pricing compare to other furnishing companies?
Typical Nairobi interior design firms charge KES 1.6M+ for furniture alone in a 1-bedroom — before any Airbnb setup. Our total cost (furniture + setup fee) starts around KES 1.05M for a 1-bedroom, and you get a fully launched, revenue-ready property, not just a furnished apartment.
What are the best areas for Airbnb in Nairobi?
Westlands, Kilimani, Kileleshwa, and Lavington consistently perform best for short-term rentals. These areas attract both international tourists and business travelers, with strong demand year-round. We operate across all four neighborhoods and do not take on properties in all areas.
Do I need to pay taxes on Airbnb income in Kenya?
Airbnb income is subject to taxes including Withholding Tax, which Airbnb deducts automatically from your payouts. Your specific tax obligations depend on your residency status, KRA registration, and how the property is held. We recommend consulting a qualified tax advisor for personalized guidance.
How long before my property starts earning?
From signing to first booking is typically 4-6 weeks. That includes furnishing, professional photography, listing creation, and optimization. First booking usually comes within 7-14 days of going live.
How do I get paid?
Airbnb pays you directly to your bank account. We never hold your money. Our service fees are quoted upfront and billed separately.
Do I need to sign a management contract?
No. All our setup services are standalone. We'll furnish your unit, set up your listings, take professional photos, create house manuals, and train your cleaner — whether or not you use management services. If you do want management, we offer it selectively or can connect you with a qualified manager.
What's included in the free listing audit?
We review your photos, title, description, pricing, calendar settings, and competitive positioning. You'll receive a detailed report with specific, actionable recommendations — completely free, no strings attached.
Do you only work with new or empty units?
No. We work with existing hosts who want to improve their performance too. Our Photography & Optimization and Refresh packages are designed specifically for furnished units that need a boost.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you need a full furnishing package, a listing refresh, or just want to know what's holding you back — we're here to help.