Kenya is banking on the hosting of the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) in Nairobi from October 2-4 to attract new hotel investments.

AHIF is a premier hotel investment conference that attracts prominent international hotel owners and investors, financiers, hotel management companies and experts in the industry.

Kenya last hosted the three-day meeting in 2013. Sponsors include global hotel brands such as AccorHotels, Marriott International, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Hilton, Best Western Hotels and Resorts, Wyndham Worldwide and City Blue Hotels.

Research by W Hospitality on Kenya's branded hotel chain pipeline indicates that 3 453 rooms are being built in over 19 hotel development projects in the country.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary, Najib Balala said: “The conference will bring global hotel brand executives, international investors and financiers, giving us an opportunity to secure new investments in the hospitality industry.”

He said the Kenyan government aimed to attract investors to build high-end hotels in tourist circuits that face accommodation challenges. “Kisumu has great potential for investment on hotel accommodation. During AHIF, we aim to influence global hotel brands to invest in the lake city to offer quality service to holidaymakers.” The construction of five-star hotels in Kisumu, he added, would woo high-end holidaymakers and boost tourism in the Nyanza region.

Balala said the government would also capitalise on the conference to attract global hotel brands to put up five-star hotels at the coast. He said the construction of quality hotels would help attract more high-end tourists to the region.

Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of Bench Events, said: “Kenya has moved forward in hotel development since AHIF was held in 2013. Major infrastructure investments have improved accessibility, making it easier for travellers to reach their destinations and enjoy their holidays.”