Gulf Hotels Group has entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Silva Gigiri for the development of the Silva Gigiri Hotel & Residence in Nairobi, Kenya.
The move is part of the Bahrain-based company’s international expansion plans and is its second hotel management agreement in East Africa. Its first property in the region was Ocean Paradise Resort in Zanzibar.
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The development site is on United Nations Crescent in Gigiri, a diplomatic area in Nairobi, with the project valued at $30m.
The two parties are currently moving to the next stage of the process, which includes seeking affiliation with an international hospitality brand and completing hotel management and franchise agreements.
Construction is due to start later this month, while a soft opening is planned for 2028.
The mixed-use scheme is expected to include 250 units, comprising standard hotel rooms, studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom residences, and penthouses.
Plans for the property also include several food and beverage outlets, wellness and fitness amenities, spa facilities, executive co-working areas, and a conference centre intended for diplomatic, corporate, and MICE [meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions] use.
The project extends Silva Gigiri’s presence in the area, where the property development company already runs the GLV Collection of boutique luxury residences.
For Gulf Hotels Group, the Nairobi development is included in its 2026–2030 growth plan, which centres on expanding its third-party hotel management business in Africa and the Indian Ocean region.
Gulf Hotels Group CEO Ahmed Janahi called the MoU a “significant milestone” in its Africa expansion plan.
Silva Gigiri CEO Bishar Mohamed Muhamed said: “This strategic partnership represents a foundational step toward realising 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.”
