Swiss-Belhotel inks management deal for The Gama: Nairobi’s new hospitality beacon

KENYA – Swiss-Belhotel International has sealed a management deal for The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel in Nairobi’s Kilimani with Albushra Real Estate Limited.

This pact debuts the group’s freshest brand worldwide, amplifying its African push alongside existing East African outposts.

Slated for a 12-month opening, the 155-room haven sits in vibrant Kilimani, blending sleek guestrooms with lifestyle perks: dual F&B venues, a pro gym, rooftop pool, women’s sauna, and versatile ballroom spaces for events and deals.

Albushra Real Estate CEO Dr. Sheikh Mohamed Shakul described The Gama as a forward-thinking venture capturing Nairobi’s pulse while catering to modern wanderers’ demands.

He credited Swiss-Belhotel’s worldwide know-how and rigorous operations for elevating it as a market pacesetter.

Swiss-Belhotel Chairman and President Gavin M. Faull marked the launch as a portfolio highlight, spotlighting Africa, especially Nairobi’s promise, as a growth engine.

He affirmed the group’s bet on the city’s trajectory and pledge to roll out attuned, contemporary brands.

SVP Operations & Development EMEA and India Laurent A. Voivenel elaborated that The Gama targets next-gen guests craving genuine vibes, clever aesthetics, and social vibes atop flawless service. This bolsters Swiss-Belhotel’s Kenyan stake and continental ambitions.

Kilimani’s buzz, proximity to business cores, embassies, upscale retail, and green escapes like Karura Forest, positions The Gama for corporate stays, leisure seekers, and MICE crowds.

Nairobi’s tourism rebounded 18% in 2025, hitting 2.5 million visitors, driven by conferences and safaris; this addition taps that vein, rivaling Jumeirah and Radisson peers.

For QSR enthusiasts, the dual outlets signal prime spots for quick-service pop-ups, think global chains fusing local flavors like nyama choma with grab-and-go efficiency, mirroring Dubai models that boost hotel revenues 15%.

Hospitality investments here yield strong ROIs amid Kenya’s 7% GDP tourism growth forecast to 2030.

Swiss-Belhotel’s Africa tally nears 30 properties, with Kenya as a linchpin for East African hubs. The Gama’s smart design, sustainable features, tech-integrated rooms, aligns with millennial preferences, fostering loyalty in a market hungry for mid-upscale options.

As Nairobi evolves into Africa’s Silicon Savannah, such ventures draw FDI, blending leisure with tech-tourism hybrids.

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