Kenya’s renowned corporate MC Chris Kirwa has shared his take on the reports that the closed Hilton Hotel in Nairobi CBD will be converted to stalls and student hostels.
Kirwa shared his disappointment that a five-star hotel respected worldwide would be hosting stalls.
The MC said Kenya’s event industry had let down the hotel as it needed a modern convention venue.
“A whole 5 5-star hotel ( A brand Name) Respected across the world that should be hosting International Events and Delegates is going to host stalls and Hostels,”
“As THE Events industry we let them down. When I say we need huge modern convention Venues that can host huge numbers of delegates …. The beneficiaries are Hotels like Hilton,” Kirwa said
Kenyans echoing his sentiment said the CBD had been left chaotic with hawkers and constant traffic jams that left Hilton struggling to attract foreign clients.
Airbnb and the attractiveness of hotels outside the CBD for areas like Westlands and UpperHill struck a death blow for Hilton.
The owners of the hotel are reported to be considering converting parts of the building into shops and student hostels.
Hilton is owned by the Kenyan government and the Hilton International Ltd.
“Characteristics that highlight the capital value of the property and asset management opportunity presented by the former Hilton Hotel are the opportunity to configure the retail space to provide more floor area for additional retailers,” Business Daily quoted the owners.
