(L-R) Head of Real Estate and Construction BOWMANS Alex Njagi , Head Commercial Property Finance Pan African (Outside South Africa ) ABSA Somaya Joshua and CEO Mi Vida Homes Samuel Kariuki on Wednesday,April 18 ,2024 at Nairobi Hotel.
By Peace Muthoka.
The 11th annual East Africa Property Investment (EAPI) Summit Retail Forum has uncovered the secrets behind Nairobi’s booming retail scene and provided a platform for collaboration and innovation in the city’s dynamic hospitality landscape.
Ryan Pape, Country Manager at CBRE Excellerate Kenya, highlights Nairobi’s infrastructure improvements and private sector investment as catalysts for retail growth.
“We are seeing increased public and private investment in roads, railways, shopping malls and distribution centres,” says Pape.
Director of New Developments at Greenhills Investment Limited, Hooman Ehsani, notes Nairobi’s appeal to well-positioned brands. “Nairobi’s F&B scene has become much more vibrant…we’ve seen a significant increase in interest as entrepreneurs seek to satisfy a growing appetite,” notes Ehsani.
Fiona Craw, JLL’s Vice President for Hotels & Hospitality Group, Sub-Saharan Africa, reports growing investor interest, particularly in Nairobi and Zanzibar. Craw acknowledges the challenges of accessing capital for hotel development, but highlights the resilience of the sector following the pandemic.
Eleni Georgopoulou, founder and CEO of YourHost Ltd, highlights the growing demand for short-term rentals, driven by economic growth and improved transport links. Georgopoulou emphasises the need for properties to cater for different budgets and preferences, driving developers to innovate and improve the guest experience.
