Aksaya Estates signs landmark deal to bring Courtyard by Marriott to Nairobi Airport

KENYA – Aksaya Estates Limited has signed an agreement with Marriott International to launch the Courtyard by Marriott Nairobi Airport at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Kenya’s primary international gateway.

Slated to open in 2027, the hotel will elevate hospitality standards for business and leisure travelers in East Africa’s key aviation hub.

Construction has already commenced on the property, which will feature approximately 180 well-appointed rooms and suites designed for flexibility and modern comfort.

Each space will emphasize smart layouts tailored to the needs of today’s travelers, whether on short layovers or extended stays.

The hotel will offer two restaurants and bars, an expansive landscaped courtyard with a fire pit, a rooftop fitness centre, an 18-metre swimming pool, and versatile indoor and outdoor event spaces.

These amenities aim to optimize work, relaxation, and social engagement for guests.

The development has secured Preliminary EDGE Advanced Certification from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), recognizing its sustainable building design and energy-efficient systems.

This certification underscores Aksaya Estates’ commitment to environmentally responsible real estate development in urban Africa.

This project marks the second Marriott-branded hotel owned and operated by Aksaya Estates in Kenya, following the successful launch of Sankara Nairobi, Autograph Collection, in Westlands.

The partnership reinforces Nairobi’s growing appeal as a destination for premium international hospitality brands.

Marriott International operates over 9,600 properties across 143 countries under more than 30 brands.

Courtyard by Marriott participates in Marriott Bonvoy, the company’s global travel rewards programme, offering members points and elite benefits.

The company is aggressively expanding in Kenya and East Africa, with plans to open five new properties by 2027, including luxury safari lodges such as The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp.

These developments are part of a broader strategy to add over 50 properties and 9,000 rooms across Africa by 2027, with a strong focus on urban gateways and experiential tourism.

Marriott’s East Africa pipeline reflects growing investor confidence and rising demand for international-standard accommodations.

The Courtyard by Marriott Nairobi Airport aligns with this vision, targeting business travelers, transit guests, and regional tourists seeking reliable, upscale experiences.

Aksaya Estates, part of Baloobhai Patel’s Aksaya Investment Holdings, focuses on long-term commercial real estate investments in high-growth African markets. The firm’s portfolio includes stakes in Carbacid Investments, Sanlam Kenya, and Absa Bank Kenya.

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