Ocean View Choka Cottages La Mera Shanzu Mombasa

28/03/2026

Happy weekend
and welcome to everyone one of you

14/01/2026

Perhaps l had so much faith, was excited to just own a business when l went into the hospitality business to a pint that,l let my passion rule.
This was not my first business venture but certainly my first one operated from a distance and in hospitality.

So, l rented out my first place which was a Cottage in Shanzu. ln an absolutely beautiful environments. (See photos on this page and below)

But there were hidden environmental issues much of which will remain unsaid for today.

My point is to ensure you do thorough research and due diligence of the local area or send trusted people on ground to check the physical condition of the property you intend to rent to for business, check external and internal condition of the property.

You'll want to know details such as, who maintains the property, and the levels of responsibility you carry as a tenant If applicable. If possible, do video calls and get a property tour conducted prior to signing documents.

Ensure you get a list of works needed to be done and check with your landlord. Generally, in Kenya, landlords and tenants have a duty to leave properties in good condition ready to live in.
In my case, l took up a property and improved it at my cost. (There are cons to this) However, it is still possible for those on ground to supervise their own businesses. Like property flippers.

Whilst these things appear obvious, you'll be very surprised what comes to light later when guests begin to stay at the apartment. You do not want to leave matters till after property take up and regret things later. There is a brick wall l faced running Airbnb from a distance.

Despite all these issues, l had upto 8 scores on booking.com for several months. The first poor review l received meant bookings dropped and l had to reduce nightly room rates.

These are points l have for today, if you a getting value, kindly follow me to learn from my experiences and gain clarity.

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Below the Cottage l set up digitally with the help of my supervisor!

11/01/2026

How l Got lnto the Airbnb Business

Armed with faith, motivation, knowledge and drive, l set off to Kenya in 2018 via Uganda from UK.

I had watched a number of property Kenya shows, got excited about the opportunities in hospitality and joined other entrepreneurs and paid a good amount of money just to learn the ropes of setting up an Airbnb business!.
It seemed worth it at the time, but l knew little of this apparent secret Hospitality venture.
You see, l left Kenya as a child and went back after leaving in 1986 and returning for this business opportunity as a adult.

Despite having a hospitality background, l felt there must be more knowledge needed. And there probably was but, l now believe ld have achieved my goals with more research under my belt and may have able paid less money to set up my Airbnb business. The classes l joined cost me dearly.

I sought a property from afar with some help from the classes l took, set up from afar,bought items from afar did not physically examine the place, and as l said l paid my rent and set up on booking.com/ Airbnb with faith.

There were set backs and cracks came through the unseen property, hiring workers with no clear systems in place, having no payment getaways, issues with housekeeping standards, maintenance, small pilfering, guest stealing, yes guest stealing!.Lack of accountability, stock and equipment monitoring and more.

I will be bringing up this issues and how l overcame them.

If you are enjoying this content, kindly follow me.

Let's get clarity!
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10/01/2026

Hello everyone,
Id like to introduce myself as Jackqueline, the owner of this page!.

I used to ran an Airbnb Cottage in Mombasa and gave it the name "Choka" which means blessings in my mother tongue Madi a small Ugandan tribe. Of course many of you know in Swahili it means, - tired😊. Thus "Choka Cottages".

Having lived in Kenya for over 10 years and left, l returned to build an Airbnb business in the coast but paused due to various reasons.

Iam keeping the page and hope to share my past experiences as an Airbnb host from a long distance. Plus other topics. Will you join me, and let's interact?

Where are you from? It would be nice to hear from you.

At Ocean View La Mera Shanzu

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

It's been such a journey of faith. Once covered in grass completely and now this!

08/01/2026

Thank you to all you who have been supporting this page, there will be some changes as things have taken a change. There will be other types of posts and videos on this page,
l do hope you all stay and enjoy content which will include some travel, food and Lifestyle vlogs.

08/01/2026

Happy New Year to you all!
Asanteni wote Wenye hapa🙏

29/01/2023

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-59855445

We celebrate your life sir Leaky.