Wealthy families, celebrity athletes, investment delegations and ultra-private business executives are now driving the highest occupancy rates in Kenya’s presidential suites, setting a new standard for Kenya’s hospitality market.
Once dominated by heads of state and diplomatic entourages, the Sh1 million plus per night suites are increasingly being booked by a new class of high-spending travellers prioritising privacy, exclusivity and spaces that can double as both sanctuary and boardroom.
Mohammed Hersi, former Kenya Tourism Federation chairman, says presidential suites have evolved into some of the most strategic assets in Kenya’s luxury hospitality industry, driven by rising security expectations, changing traveller behavior, and a growing appetite for ultra-private experiences.
“Wealthy families, celebrity athletes, investment delegations, and ultra-private business executives are driving the highest occupancy rates. The growth is unmistakable,” Mr Hersi tells the Business Daily.
The new standard
Any hotel classified as five-star in Kenya, Mr Hersi says, now qualifies—or in some cases, is required—to have a presidential suite, a shift from earlier years when such suites were primarily reserved for hosting heads of state.
Over time, he says, the requirement has expanded to include all five-star establishments, reflecting the rising expectations of luxury travellers and the increasingly competitive nature of the hospitality sector.
“The modern presidential suite goes far beyond size and aesthetics,” says the hotelier, noting that since Covid-19 five years ago, guests are increasingly willing to pay $1,000 or more per night for the full experience.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics' (KNBS) Quarterly Gross Domestic Product Report, Kenya’s hospitality sector recorded 4.1 percent growth in the first quarter of 2025, a sharp slowdown from the 38.1 percent surge during the same period last year, signalling a return to normal growth after the post-pandemic rebound of 2024.
“We’re seeing a shift in expectations. High-end travellers are no longer satisfied with just luxury finishes; they want a space they can fully control, and many are willing to pay top dollar for that,” says Mr Hersi.
What level of space control is satisfactory to these high-spending travellers?
“They are highly engineered spaces built to international security standards, with separate entry and exit points, adjoining rooms for security, and pantries where meals can be inspected or prepared,” explains Mr Hersi.
Despite the slower tourism growth pace, KNBs notes that international tourist arrivals rose 3.5 percent in the first four months of the year, reaching 751,692 visitors, while Kenya was named Africa’s fourth-best tourism destination and the top recipient of tourism FDI (foreign direct investment) in 2024 by UN Tourism, cementing its global reputation.
The requirement of presidential suite in all five star hotels underpins the competitive landscape of Nairobi’s luxury hospitality sector, where global and local brands want to attract top-tier clients and international events.
“Nairobi hotels have them because they’re big with MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions). You can host 10 to 15 presidents at one go,” Mr Hersi says.
What is luxury?
Javier Sanchez, the General Manager of Glee Nairobi, says that luxury today is defined by personalisation, privacy, and creating spaces where international clients feel completely at ease.
Javier Sanchez, the general manager at Glee Hotel, Nairobi.
Photo credit: Pool
Mr Sanchez notes that focus is now on meeting the nuanced needs of privacy-driven international guests.
“They come here to escape, to enjoy quiet and privacy. The true mark of luxury is the ability to be unseen, unheard, and entirely themselves. Our international clientele is no longer after extravagance; they want sanctuaries: spaces where every detail is tailored just for them,” he explains.
Glee’s suite is divided into three distinct units, each with its own bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Guests share a heated pool, dining area, and office space, all carefully insulated from the rest of the hotel.
“What sets us apart is the way we personalise every experience for our guests. We charge $15,000, (Sh1.9 million) per night for the entire suite and $5,000 (Sh646,750) per night if you take the individual unit. A private chef prepares meals inside the suite so guests remain completely unseen by others in the hotel. We also gather details in advance; what temperature you want in your room, the type of linen on your bed, your preferred beverages, every element is tailor-made to suit the client,” Mr Sanchez says.
“It’s a sanctuary”
Acharya Javvaji, the General Manager of Muthu Sovereign Suites & Spa in Limuru, says their presidential suite attracts families on vacation as well as dignitaries seeking privacy and exclusive comfort.
“We’ve seen a consistent rise in bookings for the presidential suite, especially among families looking for an intimate retreat and high-profile guests who require top-level discretion. Its exclusivity and tranquillity make it one of our most sought-after spaces. What guests love most is the experience. It’s not just a room, it’s a sanctuary. From private dining to the steam room and panoramic views, we designed it to feel like a home away from home for our most discerning visitors,” he says.
Refined elegance
Anthony Chege, Nairobi Serena Hotel General Manager notes that the property has long been the address of choice for presidents and power brokers. Its two presidential suites, Chale and Lamu, stand as a cultural tribute to East African identity.
“Our presidential suites are inspired by the coastal architectural traditions of Lamu and Zanzibar. They embrace a Pan-African approach with handcrafted details, warm textures and refined elegance,” says Mr Chege.
Additionally, he notes that the demand for the suites has grown, attracting a diverse clientele, reflecting a broader shift in Kenya’s luxury hospitality market. Each client, Mr Chege observes, comes with different expectations, but all are seeking privacy, exclusivity, and highly personalised experiences.
“We have seen increased bookings from statesmen, dignitaries, international celebrities, and high-profile corporate leaders, as well as local guests seeking elevated experiences for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, and honeymoons. Booking one of the rooms comes with a price tag of Sh1million per night,” he says.
Seamless integration
Over the years, Villa Rosa Kempinski and the Fairview Hotel have long maintained presidential-level accommodation designed to offer privacy, controlled access and the capacity to host official or sensitive meetings.
Kempinski’s suite, for instance, is known for its restricted floors and formal reception areas suitable for state guests. The Fairview, while more understated, caters to diplomatic travellers who prefer quiet, compound-style security and residential layouts.
Other Nairobi properties including Serena, Sankara and the Sarova Stanley also operate their own top-tier suites, reflecting sustained demand from government delegations, multinational executives and visiting dignitaries.
Safari Park Sales and Marketing Manager Mercy Wanjala says the value of the presidential suite lies in its seamless integration with high-level business and diplomatic needs. She notes that the hotel is occupied just 1–2 nights per month, translating to an annual rate of 7–10 percent.
She notes that bookings cluster around major conferences, national holidays, and key tourism seasons, with peak demand aligned to large summits, government and diplomatic events, cultural or sports occasions, and festive periods such as Christmas and New Year.
Sankara Presidential Suite: Luxury, Privacy, and Exclusive Experiences for High-Profile Guests
Photo credit: Pool
“Corporate clients lead in frequency of bookings, followed closely by diplomatic delegations, international religious leaders, and government representatives. Heads of state and celebrities are accommodated selectively, while local high-net-worth clients occasionally reserve the suite for private events. All VIP bookings are managed under strict privacy and security protocols,” says Ms Wanjala.
Bespoke services
She adds that most reservations for conferences, diplomatic visits, and corporate travel are made weeks or even months in advance to allow coordination of security and bespoke services.
However, last-minute bookings also occur, often for celebrity appearances, urgent corporate visits, or overflow from other events.
“The standard nightly rate for Safari Park Hotel’s Presidential Suite is $2,500 plus government taxes, with custom pricing available for longer stays or bookings that include meeting rooms and catering. Pricing remains consistent regardless of season, event, or guest profile, though certain diplomatic or corporate contracts may involve confidential negotiated rates,” she said.
