Silva Gigiri Targets UN Community with Wellness-Centered Luxury Development
By Mercy Kachenge
NAIROBI, Kenya, July 18 – Construction has officially begun on the KSh2 billion Silva Gigiri residential development along UN Crescent in Nairobi’s diplomatic district, with developers saying the project will combine luxury living with wellness-focused design.
The development, expected to take between 30 and 36 months to complete, is being led by Kenyan entrepreneur Mohamed Bishar, founder of Season Global, a logistics and supply chain company operating in six African countries.
Silva Gigiri will comprise furnished studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments targeting residents working within Nairobi’s diplomatic community, including United Nations personnel, expatriates and other professionals.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, the developers announced a partnership with Bahrain-based Gulf Hotels Group, which will oversee the property’s hospitality operations once construction is complete.
Founded in 1969 and backed by Bahrain’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, Gulf Hotels Group will be responsible for hospitality management, including food and beverage services, staff training and day-to-day operations.
The company said discussions are underway on the possible engagement of an international hospitality brand to manage the property, although no agreement has been reached.
Silva Gigiri is Gulf Hotels Group’s second project in Africa after an earlier investment in Zanzibar.Business Development Director for Acquisitions at Gulf Hotels Group, Majd Hamamouchi , said Kenya was selected because of its growing hospitality market and increasing demand for premium accommodation.
The project has also appointed international hospitality and real estate adviser HĂĄvar Bauck to provide strategic guidance on hospitality operations as construction progresses.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by diplomats, including Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Jabril Abdulle, representatives of United Nations agencies, government officials and private sector leaders.
Officials from the Ministry of Health said the project’s emphasis on wellness-oriented residential design aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC), both of which promote disease prevention alongside access to healthcare.
The officials said features such as green spaces, natural lighting and recreational facilities can contribute to physical and mental well-being by encouraging healthier lifestyles and supporting efforts to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases.
Among the planned amenities is a 300-metre jogging track, which the developers said is intended to encourage physical activity among residents.
Speaking at the ceremony, Bishar said the project aims to meet international construction and hospitality standards while creating employment opportunities during construction and after completion.
He added that the development reflects Kenya’s growing position as a regional hub for diplomacy, business and international conferences.
Representatives of Gulf Hotels Group said the company sees Kenya as an important market for future investment but declined to provide details of additional projects, saying discussions remain at an early stage.
Construction of Silva Gigiri is expected to be completed within three years, after which the development will open as a fully serviced residential property in Nairobi’s diplomatic district.
