A first for voco in East Africa
voco hotels, which IHG Hotels & Resorts describes as its fastest-growing premium brand, has entered East Africa. voco Nairobi Airport Suites is the brand’s first hotel in Kenya and across the wider region.
Set back from Mombasa Road, the property is located near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with the Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway terminus within walking distance. This location allows it to cater for a broad range of needs, from overnight transit stays to extended stays by executives on assignment.
voco’s arrival in the Kenyan capital comes as international operators step up their projects in the market. Recently, Ascott signed Citadines Westview Nairobi and Gulf Hotels Group committed to the Silva Gigiri Hotel & Residence in the diplomatic district.
Nairobi, a long-term bet for IHG
For Haitham Mattar, Managing Director India, Middle East & Africa at IHG Hotels & Resorts, the opening represents an important milestone for the group, as it introduces the voco brand to East Africa for the first time. He describes Nairobi as one of the region’s most dynamic and best-connected gateways, with growing demand from business and leisure travellers for flexible, high-quality accommodation.
He adds that the opening reflects the group’s confidence in the long-term potential of Nairobi and East Africa, while strengthening IHG’s premium presence in the region. The project is part of a series of debut openings for the group on the continent, including the announced arrival of Holiday Inn in Dakar.
An all-suite product designed for extended stays
The hotel has 112 suites, comprising one-bedroom suites, two-bedroom suites and a presidential suite. Each unit features a separate living room, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchenette, a work area, a private balcony and laundry facilities.
The format combines the independence of an apartment with the services and standards of an international hotel brand. It is aimed squarely at travellers relocating to Nairobi for projects lasting several weeks.
Connectivity remains a key selling point. Located 8 km from the airport, the property offers a free shuttle available 24 hours a day. It also provides direct access to the Nairobi Expressway, the Mombasa Road business corridor and the SGR station, which serves the rest of the country.
Four dining concepts, including a rooftop venue
The food and beverage offer is built around four concepts. On the top floor, next to the pool, Kilimanjaro Restaurant serves international cuisine, live cooking stations and a barbecue offer, both buffet and à la carte.
Savannah Lounge is dedicated to cocktails and small plates in the evening, while Cigar Haven offers a more intimate setting. On the ground floor, Malt & Mocha serves coffee, pastries and snacks around the clock, a service well suited to the late arrivals and early departures of an airport clientele.
623 sq m of meeting space
voco Nairobi Airport Suites offers four meeting and event spaces totalling 623 sq m. The largest room, Mara Hall, covers 235 sq m and accommodates 160 to 180 people for board meetings, training sessions, conferences or receptions.
The spaces benefit from natural daylight, opening windows, a built-in LED screen and audiovisual equipment, supported by a dedicated events team. The hotel rounds off its offer with a rooftop pool, a fitness centre, free parking and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout.
Its location also provides easy access to Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre and the Karen Blixen Museum, allowing guests to combine business, transit and leisure in a single stay.
A new step in voco’s global roll-out
For Amit Sharma, General Manager of voco Nairobi Airport Suites, the property is designed for people who are always on the move but still want a place where they feel at home. He highlights the team’s pride in introducing the first voco hotel in East Africa.
The opening strengthens IHG Hotels & Resorts’ presence in Africa and extends the international growth of a brand that continues to expand from Europe to Asia. Last August, IHG notably signed voco Muar in Malaysia, the city’s first internationally branded hotel.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
IHG opens voco Nairobi Airport Suites, the brand’s first hotel in East Africa
Opening: September 2026, off Mombasa Road, Nairobi, Kenya
Inventory: 112 suites (one-bedroom, two-bedroom and presidential), all with kitchenette and in-suite laundry
Access: 8 km from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, free 24/7 shuttle, walking distance to Nairobi SGR Terminus
F&B: four concepts, including the rooftop Kilimanjaro Restaurant next to the pool
MICE: four event spaces totalling 623 sq m, with Mara Hall hosting up to 180 guests
