Kenya’s hospitality industry is beginning to benefit from major investments in transport, aviation, sports and conference infrastructure, with hotel operators reporting improved accessibility, rising visitor numbers and stronger demand for accommodation.
Industry stakeholders say projects including the Nairobi Expressway, airport expansions and new sports facilities are reshaping the tourism sector by making it easier for domestic and international travellers to move around the country and participate in business, leisure and sporting events.
Philemon Mberu, food and beverage manager at Iconic Plaza Hotel Nairobi, said infrastructure improvements had created new opportunities for hotels and tourism businesses.
“The hospitality industry has really improved compared to previous years because accessibility has become much easier,” Mberu said.
He highlighted the Nairobi Expressway as a major improvement, saying it had reduced travel times between the airport and Nairobi’s city centre, making movement more convenient for visitors.
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The connection between infrastructure development and tourism growth has become increasingly important as Kenya seeks to position itself as a regional hub for business travel, sports tourism and international conferences.
Mberu said new sporting facilities, including Talanta Stadium, were expected to increase demand for hotels, catering services and transport as they attract athletes, teams and spectators.
The sector is also looking forward to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with neighbouring East African countries. Hoteliers expect the tournament to bring more visitors and raise occupancy levels across the industry.
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“We are optimistic because AFCON will bring many visitors into the country. Hotels will benefit directly from the increased number of guests coming to Kenya,” Mberu said.
Beyond sports tourism, improvements in air connectivity are also expected to support further growth.
The planned expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, alongside upgrades to regional airports and airstrips in destinations such as Kisumu, Eldoret and Malindi, is expected to make travel to Kenya easier and more attractive.
“Improving JKIA and expanding regional air access will encourage more visitors to come to Kenya. Accessibility is one of the most important factors in tourism growth,” Mberu said.
The meetings and conferences sector is another area expected to benefit from infrastructure development, as Kenya works to strengthen its position as a leading Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) destination.
Plans to upgrade Bomas of Kenya into a world-class convention centre are expected to expand the country’s capacity to host major international events.
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Mberu said large conferences often generate benefits across the wider hospitality industry because visitors spread across multiple hotels when demand exceeds the capacity of a single venue.
“When major events are held, visitors cannot all be accommodated in one facility. Hotels across Nairobi and other parts of the country benefit from increased bookings and business activity,” he said.
The government’s launch of the National Infrastructure Fund is expected to accelerate investment in strategic projects, including transport and public facilities.
While the initiative has attracted debate, hospitality operators argue that continued infrastructure development will be essential for sustaining tourism growth and creating employment.
Mberu urged authorities to prioritise completing stalled projects alongside launching new ones, saying unfinished developments risk limiting the benefits of previous investments.
“There are important projects that have already consumed public resources and need to be completed. Finishing these projects will ensure the country gets maximum value from its investments,” he said.
Kenya’s tourism sector has increasingly relied on improved connectivity and infrastructure to attract visitors, with stakeholders saying continued investment will be key to maintaining competitiveness in the regional tourism market.
