Hilton Nairobi revives conference business after sale attempt falls through

In the center of Nairobi’s central business district, activity is gradually returning to a building that for decades stood as one of Kenya’s top landmarks. The property that once housed the Hilton Nairobi has quietly resumed part of its commercial use, with conference rooms and meeting halls now being leased to institutions seeking space for corporate events.

The move follows an unsuccessful effort last year to sell the property to a new investor. Rather than leave the building largely idle, the operator has begun offering sections of the former hotel for meetings, seminars and corporate gatherings. For businesses operating in Kenya’s commercial capital, the arrangement provides access to large meeting facilities in a location that remains central to finance, government and commerce.

To support events, the operator has partnered with external hospitality providers. Catering for some of the gatherings is being supplied by Sarova Hotels & Resorts, one of Kenya’s established hospitality groups. The arrangement allows the venue to host conferences even though the building itself no longer operates as a traditional full-service hotel.

Event and conference demand lifts Nairobi venues

The renewed use of the conference facilities stands in contrast to the hotel’s dramatic closure just over two years ago. Hilton Nairobi ended operations on Dec. 31, 2022, after 53 years in business. The shutdown marked the end of an era for a hotel that had long served diplomats, executives, visiting officials and tourists arriving in Kenya’s capital.

The property opened in 1969 and was inaugurated by Kenya’s founding president, Jomo Kenyatta. Over the decades it became a familiar meeting point for international delegations and business leaders. The Kenyan government held a 40.57 percent stake in the property, making it one of the state’s most visible investments in the hospitality sector.

After the closures, the Kenyan government began exploring a sale of both properties as part of a broader privatization plan. The Privatisation Authority of Kenya appointed Standard Investment Bank and an advisory consortium to oversee the proposed transaction. Government records show the state owns 33.83 percent of the InterContinental property in addition to its 40.57 percent stake in the Hilton building.

The effort to sell the assets did not produce a buyer, but the decision to reopen the conference halls shows the property still holds commercial value. Demand for event and meeting venues across Africa has been increasing as companies resume regional travel and in-person gatherings. Investment in tourism across East Africa also continues to grow. Hospitality giants have been expanding presence in the region, due to rising interest from international travelers.

Tourism and hospitality investments accelerate

Earlier this month, Minor Hotels said it plans to develop a new resort under its NH Collection brand on Pemba Island. The project, known as the NH Collection Pemba Island Resort, will be built in partnership with Infinity Developments, the company behind the Anantara Zanzibar Resort & Residences. The 145-room resort is scheduled to open in February 2030.

Safari tourism investment is also picking up pace. SafariCo Group recently announced a $72 million expansion of its lodge portfolio in Tanzania, an amount equal to about KSh9.4 billion based on current exchange rates. The plan will add 184 rooms, increasing the company’s capacity in the country to more than 1,000 keys from fewer than 900.

Projects include the Ngorongoro Explorer development, expected to add up to 110 rooms inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, as well as a 74-room expansion at Serengeti Explorer within Serengeti National Park. Against this backdrop of renewed tourism investment, the return of conferences to the Hilton Nairobi building shows how established properties can still find new uses.