Gov’t to Demolish the Iconic Kahama Hotel in Nairobi

The government has confirmed plans to demolish the iconic Kahama Hotel in the Ngara area of Nairobi.

Business Daily reports that the government is seeking to acquire the land on which the hotel sits for the construction of a new public transport terminal in Nairobi’s Globe Roundabout area.

At least five landowners will lose their prime properties to pave the way for the setting up of the bus station by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).

Kahama Hotel, which is owned by the family of the late billionaire James Mwangi Kirung’o, was established in the 1980s and was previously known as Kenya International Hotel.

National Lands Commission (NLC) chair Gershom Otachi said the affected landowners would be compensated by the government.

The government will also acquire part of the land in the Grogan area in Nairobi.

The construction of the Globe Roundabout bus terminus is part of NMS plans to ease traffic congestion within the city. Other termini include Green park, Muthurwa, Fig Tree, Desai, Park road, Workshop road, and Bunyala road. 

NMS further plans to put up pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes along various streets in Nairobi. 

“The non-motorized transport program will not only offer safety to pedestrians and cyclists but also contribute to decongestion on the roads. The grey ones are meant for pedestrians while the red is for cycling,” NMS Director-General Mohammed Badi stated.