Booking direct from the host saves the platform fee and keeps the money local. Here's how to do it safely — including from abroad.
Global OTAs add a 15–20% guest service fee and hold your money until checkout. Booking direct from the host cuts that fee and pays the host straight away — fairer for everyone, and usually cheaper for you.
Find a stay, message the host over WhatsApp to confirm details, and pay by M-Pesa STK push straight to the host. Short Stays Kenya never holds your funds — the money goes to the host.
Deal with vetted hosts, confirm the exact unit, dates and price in writing over WhatsApp, and keep your M-Pesa confirmation as your receipt. Ask questions before you pay — good hosts answer fast.
Kenyans abroad book home visits and family stays this way all the time — pay by M-Pesa yourself or have a relative confirm the STK push locally. Line up a Nairobi apartment or a Diani villa before you land.
Yes, with vetted hosts and written confirmation. Keep your M-Pesa receipt, and never pay before the unit, dates and price are agreed in writing.
You skip the 15–20% guest service fee that online travel agencies (OTAs) add, so the same unit is typically cheaper booked direct.
Pay by M-Pesa yourself, or have a relative in Kenya confirm the STK push. Many diaspora guests do exactly this.
Message the host directly on WhatsApp — and Short Stays Kenya is on WhatsApp too if you need help.
Tell us where and when — we'll match you with vetted hosts and you pay direct by M-Pesa. No booking fees.