Aksaya Estates and Marriott International Partner to Transform Nairobi’s Airport Hospitality Landscape with Courtyard Hotel

NAIROBI, Kenya — In a significant development for Kenya’s hospitality sector, Aksaya Estates Limited has signed a strategic agreement with Marriott International to bring the Courtyard by Marriott brand to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi. The new hotel, slated to open in 2027, represents a major investment in Kenya’s tourism infrastructure and underscores the growing importance of airport hospitality in East Africa’s busiest aviation hub.

The Courtyard by Marriott Nairobi Airport will enhance hospitality offerings at Kenya’s key international gateway, providing guests with an elevated experience designed to optimize work, relaxation, and connectivity. This development comes at a crucial time as JKIA processed over 8.2 million passengers in 2023, marking a 25.2 percent increase from the previous year and accounting for 67.3 percent of all passenger traffic in Kenya.

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A Strategic Location for Modern Travelers

Construction has already commenced on the Courtyard by Marriott Nairobi Airport, which will feature approximately 180 well-appointed rooms and suites. Each accommodation unit has been thoughtfully designed with an emphasis on flexibility and a smart layout tailored to the needs of modern leisure and business travelers navigating through one of Africa’s busiest airports.

The hotel’s strategic positioning at JKIA addresses a critical need in Kenya’s hospitality market. Located in the Embakasi suburb, 18 kilometers southeast of Nairobi’s central business district, the airport serves scheduled flights to destinations in over 50 countries around the world. With the Kenyan government targeting over 25 million passengers annually by 2025 through ongoing terminal expansion projects, the demand for quality airport accommodation has never been greater.

World-Class Amenities and Facilities

The Courtyard by Marriott Nairobi Airport will include an impressive array of amenities designed to cater to diverse guest needs. The property will feature two restaurants and bars, providing guests with varied dining options that reflect both international standards and local culinary traditions. An expansive landscaped courtyard will serve as a centerpiece of the property, complete with a fire pit that creates an inviting atmosphere for guests to unwind after their travels or before their departures.

For fitness-conscious travelers, the hotel will boast a rooftop fitness center offering panoramic views of the surrounding area, coupled with an 18-meter swimming pool that provides a refreshing escape from Nairobi’s equatorial climate. The rooftop location of these facilities ensures guests can maintain their wellness routines while enjoying unique perspectives of the airport and city.

Recognizing the growing demand for versatile event spaces, the Courtyard by Marriott Nairobi Airport will offer both indoor and outdoor venues suitable for corporate meetings, conferences, and social gatherings. These flexible spaces cater to the needs of business travelers who increasingly seek accommodation that can serve multiple purposes, from conducting meetings to hosting networking events.

Commitment to Sustainability: EDGE Advanced Certification

In a demonstration of environmental responsibility, the property has secured Preliminary EDGE Advanced Certification, an internationally recognized sustainable building certification system developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. This achievement places the Courtyard by Marriott Nairobi Airport among a select group of environmentally conscious hospitality developments in East Africa.

The EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification system requires buildings to achieve a minimum projected reduction of 20 percent in energy use, water use, and embodied energy in materials as benchmarked against a standard local building. However, the EDGE Advanced level, which this project has attained, represents an even more significant commitment to sustainability, requiring projects to demonstrate 40 percent or more predicted on-site energy savings, in addition to at least 20 percent predicted savings in water use and embodied energy in materials.

This sustainable approach aligns with global trends in the hospitality industry, where eco-conscious travelers increasingly prefer accommodations that demonstrate environmental stewardship. The certification also positions Kenya as a leader in green building practices within the region, supporting the country’s broader commitments to sustainable development and climate change mitigation.

The sustainable features incorporated into the hotel’s design will not only reduce environmental impact but also result in lower operational costs through reduced energy and water consumption. These savings can be passed on to guests through competitive pricing while maintaining high service standards, making sustainability a win-win proposition for both the environment and business operations.

Expanding Aksaya Estates’ Marriott Portfolio

The Courtyard by Marriott Nairobi Airport will be the second Marriott-branded hotel owned and operated by Aksaya Estates in Kenya, following the successful operation of the Sankara Nairobi, Autograph Collection in Westlands, Nairobi. This expansion demonstrates Aksaya Estates’ growing confidence in Kenya’s hospitality market and its strategic partnership with Marriott International.

The Sankara Nairobi, Autograph Collection has established itself as one of Nairobi’s premier luxury hotels since its inception. Located in the upscale Westlands neighborhood, the property combines five-star international standards with authentic African hospitality. Its success has paved the way for this second collaboration, proving that there is strong demand for quality Marriott-branded properties in Kenya’s capital.

Aksaya Estates Limited is a real estate investment firm that invests with a long-term perspective in commercial real estate. The company’s approach focuses on developing high-quality assets that combine design excellence with sustainability and operational efficiency. By partnering with Marriott International, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, Aksaya Estates benefits from global expertise in hotel operations, marketing, and customer service.

The firm’s growing partnership with Marriott underlines continued confidence in Nairobi’s hospitality market and the strategic importance of airport-based accommodation for international travelers and airline crew. This confidence is well-founded, given Kenya’s position as East Africa’s economic and tourism hub, with Nairobi serving as a gateway to the region’s diverse attractions.

Marriott International’s African Expansion

Marriott International encompasses a portfolio of over 9,600 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 143 countries and territories. The company’s expansion in Africa reflects the continent’s growing importance in global tourism and business travel. With increasing connectivity, improving infrastructure, and a rising middle class, African markets present significant opportunities for international hotel operators.

The Courtyard by Marriott brand, launched in 1983, has become one of Marriott’s most successful concepts, with properties in over 60 countries. The brand is specifically designed to meet the needs of business travelers who seek functional, comfortable accommodations that support productivity while on the road. Courtyard hotels typically feature well-designed workspaces, reliable Wi-Fi, healthy food options, and efficient service that respects guests’ time.

Importantly, Courtyard by Marriott participates in Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning global travel program. This loyalty program offers members the ability to earn and redeem points across Marriott’s extensive portfolio of brands worldwide. For frequent travelers, this integration adds significant value, allowing them to accumulate rewards from their stays at the Nairobi airport hotel that can be redeemed at any of Marriott’s thousands of properties globally.

The Marriott Bonvoy program boasts over 180 million members worldwide and offers benefits ranging from free nights and room upgrades to exclusive experiences and partnerships with airlines and credit card companies. For the Courtyard by Marriott Nairobi Airport, participation in this program will help attract international travelers who are already members of the loyalty program, providing an immediate customer base of brand-loyal guests.

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Impact on Kenya’s Tourism and Economic Development

The development of the Courtyard by Marriott Nairobi Airport is expected to have far-reaching impacts beyond simply adding hotel rooms to Nairobi’s inventory. The project will create hundreds of construction jobs during the building phase and, once operational, will provide permanent employment opportunities in hospitality, food and beverage, maintenance, security, and management positions.

Kenya’s tourism sector is a vital pillar of the national economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, JKIA processed 343,555 of Kenya’s 409,164 tourist arrivals, demonstrating the airport’s critical role as the primary gateway for international visitors. The addition of a world-class hotel at the airport enhances Kenya’s competitiveness as a tourist destination by ensuring that visitors’ first and last impressions of the country are positive.

Furthermore, the hotel will serve corporate travelers who increasingly drive demand for business-class accommodation near major transportation hubs. Nairobi has emerged as a significant business destination, hosting regional offices for numerous multinational corporations, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations. The city’s role as a financial, technological, and entrepreneurial hub for East Africa ensures steady demand for quality business accommodation.

The proximity to industrial hubs such as Athi River and Embakasi, as well as to Nairobi National Park, makes the location attractive to both corporate clients and leisure travelers. Business visitors can easily access manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and business parks in these areas, while tourists can conveniently visit one of the world’s few national parks located within a capital city.

Addressing Kenya’s Hospitality Infrastructure Needs

The timing of this development aligns with Kenya’s broader efforts to upgrade and expand its aviation and hospitality infrastructure. The Kenyan government has approved several infrastructure improvements at JKIA, including modernization of baggage handling systems, expansion of immigration facilities with new e-gates, improved air conditioning and signage, and construction of covered walkways to shelter travelers.

These upgrades address challenges that have periodically affected passenger experience at JKIA, including incidents of leaking terminal roofs and power blackouts. By investing in both hard infrastructure (terminals, runways) and soft infrastructure (hotels, services), Kenya is taking a comprehensive approach to positioning JKIA as a world-class aviation hub that can compete with other major African airports.

Plans for a major expansion via public-private partnership include constructing a new passenger terminal and a second runway to boost capacity. The airport handled 8.6 million passengers in 2023 against an official capacity of 7.5 million, highlighting the urgent need for expansion. The second runway and additional taxiways and aprons will improve operational resilience and allow JKIA to handle more flights—a necessity as the airport is projected to accommodate significantly more passengers in coming years.

The Courtyard by Marriott Nairobi Airport complements these infrastructure investments by ensuring that the increased passenger volumes have access to quality accommodation. This is particularly important for transit passengers, airline crew members, and travelers whose flights are delayed or cancelled, who require convenient, comfortable, and reliable lodging options.

Serving Diverse Market Segments

The new hotel is strategically designed to serve multiple market segments simultaneously. Transit passengers passing through JKIA en route to other destinations within Africa or beyond will find the hotel’s proximity invaluable for short stays, particularly on intercontinental journeys that involve long layovers. The hotel’s smart room design and efficient service model cater specifically to these guests who value convenience and functionality over extensive amenities.

Business travelers constitutes another key segment. With Nairobi’s growing importance as a regional business center, executives frequently travel to the city for meetings, conferences, and site visits. For these guests, an airport hotel offers several advantages: it minimizes transportation time and costs, provides a professional environment for work, and offers flexibility for early morning departures or late evening arrivals.

Airline crew members represent a steady, year-round source of demand for airport hotels. With over 40 passenger airlines and 25 cargo carriers serving JKIA, there is substantial need for crew accommodation. Airlines typically establish contracts with hotels near their hub airports, providing reliable occupancy for properties in these locations.

Leisure travelers visiting Kenya for safaris, beach holidays, or cultural tourism may also utilize the hotel, particularly for their first or last night in the country. This allows them to be well-rested before long flights home or to quickly access their outbound flights after completing their Kenya adventures without navigating Nairobi’s sometimes congested roads.

Additionally, the hotel’s event spaces can attract corporate clients for meetings, training sessions, and small conferences. Companies based in the nearby industrial areas may find the hotel’s location and facilities ideal for hosting events without requiring attendees to travel into central Nairobi.

Integration with Kenya’s Vision 2030

The Courtyard by Marriott Nairobi Airport project aligns with Kenya Vision 2030, the country’s long-term development blueprint that aims to transform Kenya into a newly industrializing, middle-income country providing a high quality of life for all its citizens. The vision identifies tourism as one of the key sectors for achieving this transformation.

Specifically, the project supports several pillars of Vision 2030, including infrastructure development, private sector investment, job creation, and environmental sustainability. By attracting international hotel brands and their associated investment capital, Kenya demonstrates its attractiveness as an investment destination and its commitment to creating a business-friendly environment.

The project also contributes to the Big Four Agenda, President Uhuru Kenyatta’s development strategy that prioritized manufacturing, food security, universal health coverage, and affordable housing. While the hotel project directly addresses infrastructure and employment goals, it indirectly supports other objectives by facilitating business travel that enables economic activity across various sectors.

Technology and Innovation in Hospitality

As a contemporary Marriott property, the Courtyard by Marriott Nairobi Airport will incorporate the latest hospitality technology to enhance guest experience. This likely includes mobile check-in and check-out capabilities through the Marriott Bonvoy app, keyless room entry using smartphones, high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property, and smart room controls for lighting, temperature, and entertainment.

These technologies reflect evolving guest expectations, particularly among younger travelers who expect seamless digital experiences. By incorporating these features from the outset, the hotel positions itself to remain competitive and relevant in an increasingly technology-driven hospitality landscape.

The property may also implement sustainable technologies such as energy management systems that optimize heating, cooling, and lighting based on occupancy; water conservation systems including low-flow fixtures and greywater recycling; and renewable energy sources such as solar panels to supplement grid electricity.

Regional Context and Competition

The Courtyard by Marriott Nairobi Airport will enter a competitive hospitality market that includes several properties near JKIA. However, the combination of the Marriott brand, sustainable design, comprehensive amenities, and strategic location positions it to capture significant market share.

Other airports in the region, including Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, and Entebbe International Airport in Uganda, have also seen investment in airport hotels. This regional trend reflects the growing importance of aviation in East Africa and the recognition that quality airport accommodation enhances the overall travel experience and attracts more passengers and airlines.

Kenya’s competitive advantage lies in JKIA’s position as a well-established hub with extensive connectivity, Nairobi’s status as a regional economic center, and the country’s established tourism industry. The addition of world-class hotel brands strengthens these advantages and helps Kenya maintain its leadership position in East African tourism and business travel.

Looking Ahead to 2027

As construction progresses toward the 2027 opening date, the Courtyard by Marriott Nairobi Airport represents more than just a new hotel—it symbolizes Kenya’s aspirations to provide world-class infrastructure and services that meet international standards. The project demonstrates confidence in Kenya’s economic future and its capacity to attract significant foreign investment in its hospitality sector.

For Aksaya Estates, the successful completion of this project will further establish the company as a leading player in Kenya’s hospitality real estate market. The firm’s track record with the Sankara Nairobi and now the Courtyard by Marriott demonstrates its ability to deliver high-quality projects that meet market needs.

For Marriott International, the Nairobi airport hotel strengthens its African portfolio and reinforces its commitment to the continent’s growing markets. As Africa’s middle class expands and business travel increases, Marriott’s early investments in strategic locations position it to benefit from long-term growth trends.

For Kenya, the project contributes to the country’s goals of economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development. By continually improving its tourism infrastructure and attracting international brands, Kenya enhances its competitiveness and ensures that its position as East Africa’s premier tourism destination remains secure.

Conclusion

The partnership between Aksaya Estates Limited and Marriott International to develop the Courtyard by Marriott Nairobi Airport represents a significant milestone in Kenya’s hospitality sector development. With its strategic location, sustainable design, comprehensive amenities, and integration with Marriott’s global systems, the hotel is positioned to become a preferred choice for travelers passing through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

As Kenya continues to invest in its aviation infrastructure and tourism facilities, projects like this one play a crucial role in ensuring that the country’s growth in passenger numbers translates into positive economic outcomes. The hotel will not only serve travelers’ immediate accommodation needs but also contribute to job creation, skills development, and Kenya’s reputation as a destination that offers international-standard facilities and services.

When the Courtyard by Marriott Nairobi Airport opens its doors in 2027, it will mark another chapter in Kenya’s journey toward realizing its Vision 2030 goals and cementing its position as East Africa’s leading economic and tourism hub. For the thousands of passengers who will pass through its doors each year, the hotel will provide more than just a place to sleep—it will offer a welcoming introduction to Kenya’s renowned hospitality and a convenient gateway to exploring all that the country has to offer.

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Photo source: Google

By: Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

16th October, 2025