Thousands of jobs are at stake as The Hilton hotel at Nairobi’s CBD near KICC plans to cease operations.
The hotel announced that it will be closed down on December 31, 2022 after operating for 53 years.
Hilton is however not closing down because of the effects of the covid-19 pandemic but other unnamed factors.
“Following extensive discussions with the hotel ownership, Hilton Nairobi will close its doors for the last time on 31st December 2022 and cease operations.Covid-19 created unprecedented challenges for our industry. However, the decision to cease operations is not directly connected to the pandemic. ” the Hilton’s spokesperson told Business Daily.
The Hilton has however promised to find a way of helping employees secure jobs after the closure. Some of them will be redeployed to Hilton Nairobi Hurlingham and Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport since they will still be operational.
“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,” Hilton spokesperson further said.
The government owns 40. 57% shares of the Hilton’s shares and has been trying to offload its ownership. That was the same case with Intercontinental hotel which was shut down in August 2020. The government owned 33.83% shares.
Apparently, the government’s move to stop channeling funds to the hotels angered other shareholders.
Hilton has been operating in Nairobi since December 17, 1969. It has 287 rooms, 45 twins, 185 doubles , 7 suits, 22 pool rooms and 27 executive rooms.
“The hotel has welcomed guests for more than 50 years. We are proud of the legacy of hospitality delivered and would like to thank all those who have contributed,” said the Hilton.
The hotel ownership is yet to make a decision on what will become of the site where the hotel stands in future.
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