Gulf Hotels Group (GHG), Bahrain’s leading hospitality company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Silva Gigiri Ltd in August 2026 to operate and manage the Silva Gigiri Hotel & Residence on United Nations Crescent in Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya’s premier diplomatic district adjacent to the UN Office and numerous embassies. This is GHG’s second hotel management contract in East Africa following their Ocean Paradise Resort in Zanzibar.
Project Scope and Market Focus
The USD 30 million Silva Gigiri Hotel & Residence will feature approximately 250 units comprising standard hotel rooms, studios, one- and two-bedroom branded residences, and penthouses. The upper-upscale property will include multiple dining
venues, a luxury spa operated by a renowned international operator, wellness and fitness centers, executive co-working spaces, and a premium conference center designed for diplomatic, corporate, and MICE events. The project targets diplomats, expatriates, corporate executives, and affluent international travelers seeking premium accommodation in Nairobi’s diplomatic quarter.
Construction Timeline and Sustainability
Construction of the Silva Gigiri Hotel & Residence is scheduled to start in August 2026 with a soft opening targeted for 2028. The project aims for LEED certification through eco-efficient construction and design practices, aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030 for sustainable urban development. This mixed-use development integrates hotel management with branded residences, catering
to lifestyle-oriented guests in Nairobi’s diplomatic district.
Executive Perspectives on Partnership
Ahmed Janahi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Hotels Group, stated the MoU marks a significant milestone in expanding GHG’s footprint across Africa through its 2026–2030 growth strategy emphasizing asset-light, third-party hotel management. He highlighted Kenya as a promising hospitality market with robust economic fundamentals and growing international connectivity. Bishar Mohamed Muhamed, CEO of Silva Gigiri Ltd, described the partnership as foundational for realizing the Silva Gigiri Hotel & Residence vision and praised GHG’s operational expertise and collaborative approach.
Gulf Hotels Group’s Regional Strategy
Building on success at the Ocean Paradise Resort in Zanzibar, Gulf Hotels Group expands
its presence in East Africa and the Indian Ocean region through a third-party operating model. The new Silva Gigiri Hotel & Residence responds to rising institutional and international demand for premium hospitality assets in Kenya, a high-growth market driven by foreign direct investment and tourism. Positioned in Nairobi’s diplomatic hub, the property aims to serve niche markets requiring upscale hospitality solutions, including diplomats, corporate business travelers, and affluent guests.
