The iconic Hilton Hotel is ending its operations in Kenya after more than half a century. Hilton Hotel will be exiting the Kenyan market in December after 53 years.
The hotel, which is owned 40.57 percent by the government, has pointed to other factors beyond pandemic for the planned closure after more than 50 years of operation from its location at the heart of the central business district.
“Following extensive discussions with the hotel ownership, Hilton Nairobi will close its doors for the last time on 31st December 2022 and cease operations,” a spokesman from the hotel told a local media house.
The spokesman was also quick to point out that the shut down of the hotel’s operations was not directed related to the pandemic, despite the challenges that came out of the years 2020 and 2021.
“Unfortunately, the closure of the hotel will result in a retrenchment process. However, we will work with those impacted to help them find alternative employment,” the Hotel said.
A few lucky employees will however be redeployed to its other portfolio in Nairobi. “Hilton Nairobi Hurlingham and Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport are growing our portfolio with new hotel development opportunities in the city and beyond,” it said.
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A report that appeared in a local daily detailed that the government has over the past ten years struggled to offload its ownership in three luxury hotels, including Hilton.
It has a 40.57 percent shareholding in International Hotels Kenya Limited, which owns the Hilton. It also held a 33.83 percent stake in Kenya Hotel Properties Limited, the operator of the InterContinental Hotel, which also shut down in August 2020.