Iconic Plaza Hotel Nairobi food and beverage manager Philemon Mberu / JACKTONE LAWI
Kenya's ambitious investment in roads, airports, sports facilities and conference infrastructure is beginning to pay dividends for the hospitality industry, with hotel operators reporting improved accessibility, rising visitor numbers and growing demand for accommodation.
Industry players say projects such as the Nairobi Expressway, the expansion of airports and the construction of modern sports venues are transforming the country's tourism landscape by making it easier for both domestic and international visitors to travel, attend events and access hospitality services.
According to Iconic Plaza Hotel Nairobi food and beverage manager Philemon Mberu, public infrastructure investments are increasingly translating into business opportunities for hotels and tourism operators.
"The hospitality industry has really improved compared to previous years because accessibility has become much easier," Mberu said during an interview in Nairobi.
"For example, the Nairobi Expressway has significantly reduced the time it takes to move guests between the airport and the city, making travel much more convenient."
The linkage between infrastructure spending and tourism growth has become more evident as Kenya positions itself as a regional hub for business travel, sports tourism and international conferences.
Mberu pointed to the recent completion of major sports facilities, including Talanta Stadium, as examples of investments that are expanding opportunities for the hospitality sector.
"These facilities attract athletes, teams and spectators from different regions, creating demand for accommodation, food services and transport," he said.
The sector is now looking ahead to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host alongside its East African neighbours. Hoteliers expect the tournament to generate a surge in visitor arrivals and provide a major boost to hotel occupancy rates.
"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 aviation infrastructure are also expected to strengthen the industry's growth prospects.
The planned expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), alongside upgrades to regional airports and airstrips in destinations such as Kisumu, Eldoret and Malindi, is expected to improve connectivity and make travel to Kenya 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," said Mberu.
The conference and events market is emerging as another major beneficiary of the infrastructure drive.
Kenya has intensified efforts to position itself as a leading Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) destination through investments in conference facilities, including the planned upgrade of Bomas of Kenya into a world-class convention centre.
According to Mberu, larger conference facilities will create spillover benefits across the hospitality ecosystem.
"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 recently launched the National Infrastructure Fund to accelerate investments in strategic projects, including transport and public facilities.
While the initiative has attracted political debate, hospitality players argue that continued infrastructure development will be critical to sustaining tourism growth and creating employment opportunities.
Mberu said infrastructure projects not only improve visitor experiences but also support job creation by enabling businesses to serve more customers and expand operations.
However, he urged the government to focus on completing stalled projects alongside launching new ones.
"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.
