Fabien Levieux, Global Education and Training Manager at Hennessy speaking during a media breakfast roundtable held in Nairobi.
By ATN
NAIROBI, July 30, 2026 — Global cognac house Hennessy has reaffirmed its confidence in Kenya’s fast-growing luxury market, announcing plans to invest in developing hospitality professionals as the country cements its position as a regional hub for premium brands.
Speaking during a media breakfast roundtable held in Nairobi on Tuesday, Hennessy executives said the company is looking beyond selling premium cognac and is instead investing in people, skills and industry partnerships that will support the long-term growth of Kenya’s luxury and hospitality sectors.
The discussions, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Upper Hill, brought together journalists and industry stakeholders to explore the shifting dynamics of the East African luxury market and Kenya’s rising influence as a gateway for international brands.
Leading the engagement, Fabien Levieux, Global Education and Training Manager at Hennessy , said Kenya has emerged as one of Hennessy’s strategic markets in Africa because of its resilient economy, growing middle class and increasing appetite for premium experiences.
He said today’s consumers are no longer driven by volume but by quality, authenticity and heritage, adding that they increasingly seek products with a compelling story and lasting value.
“We are seeing consumers becoming more educated and more selective. They want authenticity, craftsmanship and experiences that reflect true heritage. That shift is changing how luxury brands engage with the market,” Levieux said.
He added that Hennessy intends to strengthen Kenya’s hospitality industry by rolling out internationally recognised education and training programmes for bartenders, mixologists, sommeliers and other hospitality professionals.
According to Levieux, investing in local talent is a key pillar of the company’s long-term strategy because skilled professionals play a critical role in delivering exceptional customer experiences and elevating service standards across the industry.
He noted that empowering hospitality workers with globally recognised skills will not only create career opportunities but also position Kenya as a preferred destination for luxury tourism and premium hospitality experiences.
Levieux also spoke about the changing global business environment, saying luxury brands must remain resilient amid shifting trade patterns, supply chain disruptions and climate change, which continues to affect agricultural production worldwide.
He said companies with centuries of history have a responsibility to preserve their craftsmanship and heritage while embracing innovation and adapting to changing consumer expectations and global market conditions.
At the same time, he observed that Nairobi continues to strengthen its reputation as East Africa’s luxury capital, attracting international brands looking to establish a regional presence and serve a growing base of affluent consumers.
Industry players who attended the roundtable echoed the need for greater collaboration between global brands and local businesses, saying investment in professional training, innovation and customer experience will be essential in keeping Kenya’s hospitality sector competitive.
They noted that stronger partnerships would help improve service delivery, raise industry standards and unlock new opportunities for tourism, hospitality and luxury retail.
The media breakfast reinforced Hennessy’s broader strategy of combining market expansion with capacity building, underscoring the company’s confidence in Kenya’s economic prospects and its growing importance as East Africa’s leading luxury market.
