Gulf Hotels, Silva Gigiri sign deal for new Nairobi hotel project

Gulf Hotels Group is expanding its presence in East Africa with a $30 million hotel and residential project in Nairobi, as the Bahrain-based hospitality company looks to build its hotel management business across Africa. 

The group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Silva Gigiri Ltd. to develop the Silva Gigiri Hotel & Residence on United Nations Crescent in Gigiri, one of Nairobi’s main diplomatic and business districts. 

The project will add 250 hotel rooms and residential units to the area, targeting diplomats, corporate travelers, expatriates and visitors. Construction is expected to begin later this month, with a soft opening planned for 2028. 

For Gulf Hotels Group, the deal marks its second hotel management agreement in East Africa, following Ocean Paradise Resort in Zanzibar. It also gives the company a foothold in Kenya as demand for business, diplomatic and conference accommodation continues to grow.

New hotel planned for Nairobi’s Gigiri district 

The mixed-use development will include hotel rooms, studios, one- and two-bedroom residences and penthouses. Plans also include restaurants, wellness and fitness facilities, a spa, executive co-working areas and a conference center for diplomatic, corporate and MICE events. 

Gulf Hotels Group and Silva Gigiri are now working to secure an international hotel brand and complete the management and franchise agreements. The project is expected to combine hotel accommodation with branded residences in one of Nairobi’s most established diplomatic neighborhoods.

Gulf Hotels Group targets Africa expansion 

The Nairobi project forms part of Gulf Hotels Group’s 2026-2030 growth plan, which focuses on expanding its third-party hotel management business across Africa and the Indian Ocean region. 

CEO Ahmed Janahi said the agreement was an important step in the company’s Africa expansion. Silva Gigiri CEO Bishar Mohamed Muhamed said the partnership would help develop a property suited to Nairobi’s growing role as a diplomatic, business and investment center.

Gulf Hotels Group company profile 

Gulf Hotels Group is a Bahrain-based hospitality company with interests in hotels, restaurants, residences, spas and conference facilities.

Its East African portfolio includes Ocean Paradise Resort in Zanzibar, while its wider strategy is focused on expanding hotel management contracts. 

Silva Gigiri already operates the GLV Collection of boutique luxury residences in Gigiri.

The new project will build on that presence while adding hotel, residential, dining and business facilities to the Nairobi property market.