Kenya aims to boost its bed occupancy levels to 5.5 million this year, up from 4 million in 2023, leveraging increased tourism numbers, according to the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB).
KTB CEO June Chepkemei noted that the sector has rebounded from the constraints of the Covid-19 pandemic, stabilizing and regaining profitability, which has sparked renewed investor interest.
The 2023 tourism sector performance report reveals a 27% increase in bed occupancy from 4,996,370 between January and September 2022 to 6,338,904 in the same period of 2023. This rise is attributed to higher visitor arrivals, increased domestic tourism, and the growing appeal of Kenya as a tourist destination.
Chepkemei highlighted that the sector recorded about four million bed nights last financial year and is targeting over 5.5 million this year. This statement was made during the launch of Hilton’s newest property in Kenya.
Hilton’s new addition, Kwetu Nairobi, Curio Collection by Hilton, marks the debut of the Curio brand in East Africa. Located near key areas such as the Central Business District, Gigiri, and Karura Forest, Kwetu Nairobi is Hilton’s first lifestyle-themed hotel in the country.
Kwetu Nairobi General Manager Adel Mojarrad emphasized that evolving consumer demands led to the creation of this lifestyle-themed hotel. He expressed excitement about introducing the first Curio Collection in Eastern and Southern Africa, aiming to create a space that feels like “our place.”
The hotel features a blend of historical and contemporary design with rooms offering balconies, terraces, and locally-inspired interiors. Chepkemei noted that Kwetu Nairobi is currently achieving a 70% bed occupancy rate, well above the market average of around 50%.
Several premium hotels, including JW Marriott and Accor’s Pullman, have opened this year. However, a recent survey by Lagos-based W Hospitality Group and the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) reveals that Kenya has fallen two positions in hotel rooms under development, now ranking seventh.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics Economic Survey 2024, hotel bed-night occupancy increased by 23.2% from 7 million in 2022 to 8.6 million in 2023, with domestic tourists accounting for more than half of the total bed nights.
