The iconic Hilton Hotel - located at the heart of Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) - is shutting its doors after 53 years of operations in the country.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Thursday, April 27, an official from Hilton Hotel confirmed the hotel will cease operations in Kenya in December this year.
The official, however, did not divulge more details as to why Hilton was closing down, noting that the management will issue a detailed statement explaining the decision to leave the Kenyan market.
"Hilton CBD will close its doors in December this year after almost 53 years, it is quite unfortunate but the top management will issue a detailed statement later to explain to Kenyans what informed that decision," the source told Kenyans.co.ke.
The ritzy hotel, which has a government shareholding of 40.57 per cent in its operator, International Hotels Kenya Limited, further noted that the shutdown will affect hundreds of staff who are set to be laid off while others will be redeployed to other to Hilton outlets such as Double Tree by Hilton in Nairobi Hurlingham and Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport.
"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 official explained.
The hotel, which is 8-minutes walk from the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) and Jamia Mosque, has been standing high in Nairobi CBD since December 17, 1969.
At that time, it was among the tallest building in the capital and boasts of 287 rooms; 45 twins, 185 doubles, seven suites, 22 pool rooms, and 27 executive rooms.
In its many years of operations, it has hosted world leaders and other top ranking guests, gaining fame and prestige in the region owing to its amenities.
Its closure is an indication of the ailing hospitality sector that was among the most affected industries by the pandemic.
It also comes months after Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi also closed its doors, with the building owners stating that they were looking at converting it into a shopping mall.
