Swiss-Belhotel International Unveils The Gama in Nairobi: A Strategic New Chapter for Hospitality in Africa

The announcement that Swiss-Belhotel International has signed a management agreement for The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel in Nairobi marks more than the launch of a new hotel. It signals the arrival of an entirely new brand concept, the strengthening of Kenya’s position as a regional hospitality hub, and a calculated expansion move by one of the world’s fastest-growing international hotel groups into high-potential African markets.

Scheduled to open within the next twelve months, The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel, Kilimani will make its global debut in one of Nairobi’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan neighborhoods. Developed in partnership with Albushra Real Estate Limited, the property is positioned as a lifestyle-driven hospitality destination designed to reflect the pulse of a modern African capital while aligning with global service and operational standards.

This development comes at a time when Nairobi’s tourism, business travel, and meetings-and-events segments are experiencing renewed momentum. As international travel stabilizes and Africa continues to attract global investment interest, hotel groups are increasingly selective about where and how they deploy new brands. Swiss-Belhotel’s decision to debut The Gama in Nairobi therefore speaks volumes about the city’s strategic importance—and about how hospitality itself is evolving.

A New Brand, A Global First

The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel represents the newest addition to Swiss-Belhotel International’s global brand portfolio. Unlike traditional upscale or business-focused hotel offerings, The Gama has been conceptualized as a contemporary lifestyle brand, blending smart design, social spaces, wellness features, and flexible business facilities into a cohesive guest experience.

Launching a new brand is never a minor decision for an international hotel group. It requires confidence in the market, clarity in brand positioning, and assurance that the first property will set the tone for all future developments. By choosing Nairobi as the launchpad, Swiss-Belhotel is effectively positioning the city as a reference point for its next-generation hospitality vision.

The Kilimani location is central to this strategy. Long known as one of Nairobi’s most desirable mixed-use districts, Kilimani sits at the crossroads of residential affluence, corporate activity, diplomatic presence, and lifestyle amenities. Its proximity to Westlands, Upper Hill, and the Central Business District makes it attractive to both business and leisure travelers, while its vibrant dining, retail, and cultural scene appeals to younger, experience-driven guests.

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Inside The Gama: Design, Lifestyle, and Functionality

The upcoming property will feature 155 thoughtfully designed guest rooms, catering to a diverse range of travelers—from international business executives and conference delegates to leisure visitors seeking a stylish urban base. While room design details are yet to be fully unveiled, the emphasis is clearly on modern comfort, efficient layouts, and contemporary aesthetics aligned with global lifestyle hotel trends.

Beyond accommodation, The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel is being positioned as a multi-dimensional destination. The hotel will include:

• Two food and beverage outlets, designed to serve both in-house guests and the wider Kilimani community
• A fully equipped gym, reflecting growing demand for wellness-focused travel
• A rooftop swimming pool, offering panoramic city views and social appeal
• A dedicated ladies’ sauna, highlighting inclusivity and tailored wellness experiences
• Expansive ballroom and meeting facilities, catering to conferences, corporate events, and social functions

This blend of leisure, wellness, and business amenities underscores a shift in hospitality design philosophy. Modern travelers increasingly expect hotels to function as social hubs and productivity spaces—not just places to sleep. The Gama appears tailored precisely to this expectation.

Albushra Real Estate’s Vision for Nairobi

For Dr. Sheikh Mohamed Shakul, CEO of Albushra Real Estate Limited, the project represents a bold statement about Nairobi’s future. He has described The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel as a “future-focused development” designed to capture the city’s energy while meeting the evolving demands of modern travelers.

This vision reflects a broader trend among Kenyan developers, who are increasingly partnering with international operators to elevate local real estate projects into globally competitive assets. Rather than pursuing purely residential or office developments, developers are turning to mixed-use and hospitality projects that generate long-term value, diversify revenue streams, and enhance urban appeal.

Partnering with Swiss-Belhotel International brings operational expertise, global brand recognition, and established service standards—critical elements in ensuring that a new hotel can compete effectively in a crowded and increasingly sophisticated market.

Swiss-Belhotel International’s African Strategy

For Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, the Nairobi signing marks a milestone moment for the group. It introduces a new brand to the global portfolio while reinforcing a long-term commitment to Africa as a growth frontier.

Swiss-Belhotel International currently manages more than 125 hotels, resorts, and development projects across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe. Africa represents the next major phase of expansion, driven by favorable demographics, rising intra-African travel, infrastructure investment, and increasing interest from global investors.

Nairobi, in particular, stands out as a regional anchor city. It serves as a gateway to East Africa, hosts numerous multinational headquarters, international organizations, and NGOs, and continues to attract conferences, exhibitions, and high-level diplomatic engagements. For a hotel group seeking scale and visibility in Africa, Nairobi is not optional—it is essential.

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Leadership Perspectives on the Brand Launch

The strategic importance of The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel was further emphasized by Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President – Operations & Development for EMEA and India, and Senior Vice President – Group Human Resources & Talent Development.

According to Voivenel, The Gama has been carefully designed to resonate with the next generation of travelers—guests who prioritize authenticity, smart design, and social connectivity without sacrificing comfort or service quality. This demographic includes young professionals, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and globally mobile executives who view hotels as extensions of their lifestyle rather than isolated spaces.

His remarks highlight an important shift in hospitality strategy: brand differentiation is no longer driven solely by star ratings or room size, but by experience, community integration, and emotional connection. Hotels that fail to adapt risk becoming irrelevant, regardless of location.

Nairobi’s Hospitality Market: Timing Matters

The timing of this announcement is particularly significant. Nairobi’s hospitality sector has undergone substantial transformation over the past decade, with new international brands entering the market, older properties undergoing refurbishment, and consumer expectations evolving rapidly.

Post-pandemic travel recovery has been uneven globally, but Nairobi has benefited from a combination of factors:

• Growth in regional business travel
• Rising interest in conferences and exhibitions
• Increased airline connectivity
• Renewed marketing of Kenya as a business and leisure destination

At the same time, competition has intensified. Travelers now compare Nairobi’s hotels not only with local peers but with properties in Dubai, Johannesburg, Kigali,and other global cities. This has raised the bar for design, service consistency, and value proposition.

By introducing a new lifestyle-oriented brand rather than a conventional hotel concept, Swiss-Belhotel is positioning The Gama to stand out rather than blend in.

Kilimani: A Strategic Urban Choice

Kilimani’s selection as the site for The Gama is no accident. Once primarily residential, the area has evolved into a dynamic mixed-use zone featuring high-end apartments, office spaces, embassies, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Its appeal lies in balance. Kilimani offers accessibility without the congestion of the central business district, sophistication without the exclusivity of gated enclaves, and vibrancy without the chaos of nightlife-heavy zones. For a lifestyle hotel targeting modern travelers, these qualities are invaluable.

Moreover, Kilimani’s ongoing urban renewal aligns with Nairobi County’s broader vision of creating decentralized commercial hubs that reduce pressure on the CBD while enhancing livability across the city.

Economic and Employment Implications

Beyond tourism and branding, the development of The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel carries tangible economic implications. Hotel projects of this scale generate employment across multiple phases—from construction and fit-out to operations, management, and supply chains.

Once operational, the hotel will create direct jobs in hospitality, food and beverage, facilities management, and administration, while also supporting indirect employment in transport, agriculture, cleaning services, and local suppliers.

Swiss-Belhotel International’s emphasis on human resources and talent development suggests that skills transfer and professional training may form part of the long-term impact, contributing to the strengthening of Kenya’s hospitality workforce.

East Africa in Focus

Swiss-Belhotel International is no stranger to East Africa. The group already operates successful properties in cities such as Dar es Salaam and Kigali, markets that share similarities with Nairobi in terms of growth potential and regional influence.

By adding Nairobi to this portfolio, the group is effectively creating an East African corridor of branded hospitality assets, enabling cross-market synergies, brand recognition, and regional loyalty.

This regional approach is increasingly common among international hotel operators, who view Africa not as isolated national markets but as interconnected economic zones.

Competing in a New Hospitality Era

The hospitality industry is undergoing a global reset. Traditional distinctions between business hotels, leisure resorts, and lifestyle properties are blurring. Travelers expect flexibility, personalization, and digital integration regardless of trip purpose.

The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel appears designed with this reality in mind. Rooftop social spaces, wellness facilities, adaptable meeting areas, and contemporary dining concepts cater to travelers who seamlessly blend work and leisure.

For Nairobi, this represents an evolution from purely functional accommodation toward experiential hospitality—an important step if the city is to compete for global events, creative industries, and long-stay professionals.

A Signal to Investors and Developers

The decision by Swiss-Belhotel International to debut a new global brand in Nairobi sends a strong signal to investors and developers alike. It reinforces confidence in Kenya’s macroeconomic fundamentals, urban growth trajectory, and long-term tourism prospects.

In an environment where global capital is increasingly selective, such endorsements matter. They validate Nairobi as a city capable of supporting sophisticated hospitality concepts and delivering returns aligned with international benchmarks.

For local developers, the project demonstrates the value of aligning real estate development with strong operational partners rather than pursuing standalone projects in isolation.

Looking Ahead: What The Gama Represents

As the opening date approaches, The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel will be closely watched—not just as a hotel, but as a case study in how global brands adapt to African markets without diluting their identity.

Its success will depend on execution: service quality, consistency, community engagement, and the ability to translate brand promises into daily guest experiences. If done well, The Gama could become a template for future Swiss-Belhotel developments across the continent.

Conclusion: A Strategic Milestone for Nairobi and Beyond

The signing of The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel, Kilimani is more than a real estate transaction or a brand launch. It represents a convergence of global hospitality strategy, local development ambition, and Nairobi’s rising profile as an international city.

For Swiss-Belhotel International, it marks the beginning of a new brand journey anchored in Africa. For Albushra Real Estate Limited, it reflects confidence in Nairobi’s future and the power of strategic partnerships. For Kenya’s hospitality sector, it signals continued evolution toward globally competitive, lifestyle-driven offerings.

As Nairobi continues to redefine itself on the world stage, developments like The Gama underscore a simple but powerful truth: the city is no longer just catching up—it is helping shape the future of urban hospitality in Africa.

photo source: Google

By: Elsie Njenga

20th January, 2026