Sh10b high-end hotel to open next month in Upper Hill

Four Nordic countries have entered Kenya’s hospitality industry with a business model that favours greener economy.

Through their 270-roomed new Radisson Blu Hotel at Nairobi’s Upper Hill, the multi-billion investment plans to tap into the large pool of companies that have moved into the area.

Speaking yesterday in a briefing that was graced by ministers from the four countries - Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland - Denmark minister for Foreign Affairs Kristian Jensen said the new hotel will help deepen their economic relations with Kenya by employing locals.

“This hotel will provide Kenya with more than 300 jobs and provide guests with an unmatched hotel experience,” said Jensen.

Apart from Danish IFU, Sweedfund and Finnfund, the hotel has Michael Kairu of Elgon Road Developments Ltd as one of the primary investors - each contributing Sh4.3 billion ($42 million).

At a time when climate change and calls for greener business are increasingly dominating world agenda, the hotel management said it has invested heavily in preserving the environment.

The hotel, which will officially open to the public in late January, has invested in a carbon food plant and also engages in tree planting in Limuru to counter the levels of carbon the business emits to the environment.

To bolster efforts to save the environment, the Danish Embassy also pledged over Sh10 billion to support Kenya’s efforts towards a greener environment.

Large companies

“I have approved a new grant of around Sh15 billion for our next five-year programme starting next year. Half of the budget is dedicated to supporting Kenya’s transition to a green growth economy,” said Jensen.

And in bid to save water, the hotel has invested in grey water treatment. This will ensure that most of the water used during the day is recycled and used in ablutions.

Radisson Blu Director of Sales and Marketing, Vickie Muyanga said that the location of the hotel is crucial since it is becoming a permanent home to many large companies.

“Our choice of Upper Hill was in order to tap to the many corporates who are shifting to this region. In the city, most companies only rent buildings and do not guarantee a permanent customer base,” said Muyanga.