By: Zahid Jadwat

Kenya’s iconic Hilton Hotel Nairobi, a multi-story structure that was once one of the capital city’s tallest structures, is set to close in December, according to reports.

The hotel was built in 1969, six years after Kenya gained independence from the United Kingdom, and has since become a city landmark.

“Following extensive discussions with the hotel ownership, Hilton Nairobi will close its doors for the last time on 31 December 2022 and cease operations,” a Hilton spokesperson was quoted as saying.

Its impending closure coincides with a drop in tourism and hospitality as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, a number of major hotels in Nairobi closed their doors, some indefinitely. Hilton claims that its closure has nothing to do with COVID-19.

It told Kenya’s Business Daily newspaper that some of its employees would lose their jobs as a result of the closure, while others would be redeployed to other businesses operated by Hilton.

The hotel has 17 floors with a total of 287 rooms.