JW Marriott Brand Debuts First Hotel in Kenya

AVIC International Real Estate Kenya and Marriott International have signed a Management Service Agreement, signifying the entry of JW Marriott’s International luxury brand of hotels in Nairobi.

Under the deal signed on Wednesday, Avic will manage the 365-room hotel and be integrated into AVIC International’s Headquarters in Africa worth USD 400 million in Westland area of Nairobi County.

The hotel was officially inaugurated on August 18, 2015 the a high-rise office Complex comprises six main towers, one of which will be a record-breaker with 42 floors above the ground at a height of 173.5 meters making it the highest in East Africa with an up-scale business apartment building and high-street shopping experience.

Wang Long, General Manager of AVIC Real Estate Kenya pointed out that AVIC International stands ready, with the support from the Kenyan government, to work with the Kenya people towards win-win results from the Kenya Vision 2030.

https://youtu.be/o-EMiBDZYjY

“Kenya is a power house in East Africa. It has an enormous potential due to its dynamic vibrant city.  We are confident in the economic future of Kenya, AVIC International has decided to place its Africa Headquarters here in Nairobi, with the aim of establishing good rapport with the Kenyan government and various social communities of the country, so as to achieve mutual benefits, win-win results and shared development that in turn contribute to the economic growth and prosperity in Kenya,” he noted.

“We are job creators and incubators. We are not just bringing prosperity, we are bringing hope,” he added.

Speaking about the agreement, Karim Cheltout, Vice President of Marriott International said, “This is another step for us, setting our footprint in Africa. This is our first venture in Africa, our first property in Kenya. A first of many to come.”

For choosing Kenya, Cheltout noted that,

“Kenya is at the heart of development. It is one of the fast growing economies in Africa with its rapid growing pool of talent. This is not only about the landmark value and prominence of AVIC International’s Headquarters in Africa, but more about its brand positioning and market orientation which is in line with the JW Marriott brand. As the hub of East Africa, Nairobi is a most promising destination for investment and business growth. Eyeing on the high-caliber planning and development within AVIC’s Headquarters in Africa, its cosmopolitan atmosphere and sterling quality, JW Marriott has chosen to call it its home.”

Wu Guangquan, Chairman of AVIC International termed the signing ceremony as ‘a year centered on strategy closely aligned to Kenya’s Vision 2030’ and they seek to help turn the country into a middle income economy.

“We are committed to the development of this nation. We need support from the Kenyan government and the Nairobi County. Kenya is a land of opportunities, Kenyans are our partners.  We are convinced that, with the strong support from the Kenyan government, and working shoulder to shoulder with our Kenyan counterparts, we are well on track to turn the Kenyan Vision 2030 into reality, carry forward economic and trade relations and friendship between our two countries, and “Go beyond Commerce for a Better World” for all.”

Dr. Evans Kidero the Nairobi County Governor congratulated the two companies for the milestone.

“The project covering an area of 280000 Square meters is equivalent to 60 per cent of Nairobi’s construction space and the 400 Million USD budget is 8 per cent of our annual construction budget. This is no mean recognition.

“Nairobi has 5000 hotel beds. We don’t have sufficient beds and this project will add the necessary beds that this city needs. Nairobi is a place to be in Africa,” Said Dr.Kidero.

The project is scheduled to be completed and come into service in 2022. Throughout the construction phase and during follow-up management, it is estimated that a minimum of 6,000 jobs will be created, which would help improve livelihood for the local people and bolster economic development in Kenya and in East Africa at large.

AVIC International entered the Kenyan market in 1994 with its diverse business portfolio covering, among others, aviation industry chain, vocational education, infrastructure construction contracting and real estate investment. In collaboration with the Kenyan Ministry of Education and the Kenyan Ministry of Youth Affairs, the company has trained 15,000 technical professionals, helping to improve youth employment in the country.