Gulf Hotels Group move into East Africa with their first luxury property being established in Nairobi, Kenya

Gulf Hotels Group is making a statement in East Africa with the envisaged establishment of new properties across the region.

And for starters, Gulf Hotels Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Silva Gigiri Limited of Kenya, to that effect.

The agreement aims to develop the Silva Gigiri Hotel and Residence, a luxury outfit in Nairobi City. 

The agreement marks the company’s second hotel management contract in East Africa, following the establishment of Ocean Paradise Resort in Zanzibar.

The USD 30 million project will be located on United Nations Crescent in Gigiri.

The upper-upscale development will combine a hotel with branded residences, fine dining and luxury spa facilities.

Its location near the United Nations Office at Nairobi, embassies and international organizations is designed to cater to diplomats, expatriates, corporate executives and international travellers.

Gulf Hotels Group targets Nairobi hospitality market

Following the formalization of the MOU, both organizations are now progressing to the next phase of the project, securing affiliation with a globally recognized hospitality brand and finalizing the definitive hotel management and franchise agreements.

“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks a significant milestone in Gulf Hotels Group’s strategy to expand our footprint across Africa. Kenya stands out as one of the region’s most promising hospitality markets, underpinned by robust economic fundamentals, expanding international connectivity, and rising demand for new, high-quality hospitality assets. Through this collaboration, we look forward to working closely with Silva Gigiri Ltd to bring to life a hotel and branded residence that embodies international standards, operational excellence, and lasting value creation. This expansion will be delivered through a third-party operating model, reinforcing GHG’s asset-light growth strategy as we extend our management platform across the continent.”

Ahmed Janahi – Group Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Hotels Group

Bishar Mohamed Muhamed, Chief Executive Officer of Silva Gigiri Limited had this to say …

“This strategic partnership represents a foundational step toward realizing our long-term vision for Silva Gigiri Hotel & Residence within one of Nairobi’s most prominent diplomatic districts.”

“Our ambition is to create a destination that reflects the city’s growing role as a regional diplomatic, business, and investment hub while delivering lasting value for residents, guests, and stakeholders. Gulf Hotels Group brings extensive operational expertise, technical capabilities, and a collaborative approach that make them a strong strategic partner as we progress towards the next phase of the project.”

Silva Gigiri builds on Nairobi residential presence

The project extends Silva Gigiri Ltd’s presence in Nairobi’s diplomatic quarter, where it operates the GLV Collection of boutique luxury residences.

For Gulf Hotels Group, the venture forms part of its 2026–2030 growth strategy, which focuses on third-party hotel management in high-growth markets across Africa and the Indian Ocean.

Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026, with a soft opening targeted for 2028. The planned mixed-use development is planned to comprise approximately 250 units, including hotel rooms, studios, one- and two-bedroom residences and penthouses.

Hotel planned for diplomatic and corporate events

Reflecting modern corporate and leisure demands, the property will feature multiple dining venues, wellness and fitness facilities, executive co-working spaces, and a premium conference center specifically tailored for diplomatic, corporate, and MICE events.

Furthermore, the project aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 for sustainable urban development, targeting LEED certification through eco-efficient construction and design practices.