A new plan to convert InterContinental Hotel into a mixed-use building is now in high gear since the facility shut down in August 2020.
A report by Business Daily on Friday, July 23, indicated that the owners of the hotel, who include former President Daniel Moi's confidant's are looking for a consultant to advise on change of business model.
The report further indicated that part of the revamp will include introducing shops and stalls as well as restaurants and office spaces.
In a statement, Kenya Hotel Properties announced that it was looking for a consultant to offer options the building could pursue in the future.
The owners of the hotel are also open to leasing the building in its entirety to the state since its adjacent to other buildings run by the government including Parliament and Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC) among others.
"Define the various strategic options available for the company premises and adjacent parking silo to repurpose the property to ensure maximum returns on investment.
"To envision and evaluate a mixed-use approach to the premises together with the pros and cons associated therewith," read the notice in part.
The famous hotel closed its doors with all employment positions set to be scrapped off in August 2020.
In a notice, the conglomerate detailed that all positions would be declared redundant when its doors slam shut due to the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The company cited operational reasons as the main cause of their closure.
In February 2019, a report by a local daily detailed that the hotel was facing closure or auction over debt accounting to more than Ksh700 million.
“We wish to bring to your attention the following facts. The company is facing financial challenges to the extent that it cannot meet its obligations as they fall due,” a letter dated February 7, 2019 from Mr Jonah Orumoi, the Chief Executive of Tourism Finance Corporation (TFC) read.
