JW Marriott (https://JW-Marriott.Marriott.com), part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today unveils its second property in Kenya with the opening of JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi. Standing as the tallest hotel in the country with 35 stories in the Westlands commercial district, JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi captures the essence of Kenya’s natural beauty and heritage, offering travellers a peaceful escape for the mind, body, and soul.

“As JW Marriott expands its presence in Africa, the brand enriches the region with a legacy of luxurious hospitality, seamlessly weaving together its dedication to holistic well-being and fostering meaningful connections throughout the continent,” said Helen Leighton, Vice President, Luxury Brands&Communications, Marriott International, Europe, Middle East&Africa. “JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi perfectly embodies the city’s contemporary yet mindful urban lifestyle. The property combines the warmth of African hospitality with serene spaces where guests can disconnect from distraction, focus on the present moment, and reconnect with what matters most to them.”

The hotel features 315 sophisticated guestrooms, five internationally-inspired dining destinations, a luxury Spa by JW, swimming pool, fitness center, and eight exceptional event spaces for gatherings and celebrations. An additional 51 spacious serviced apartments and a sky bar&lounge are slated to open later in the year.

An Urban Sanctuary – Bringing the Outdoors In

The hotel’s interior design is largely inspired by the beauty, heritage, and palette of Kenya’s great outdoors. Designed by George Wong, the property is inspired by the spirit and story of an African adventure, with an earth-toned colour palette of savannah browns, Maasai reds, cultural terracotta, and safari green incorporated throughout its spaces.

These aesthetic choices introduce a new echelon of luxury to the city, featuring intentional spaces that allow guests to connect with the essence of Africa, while enjoying the comforts of a modern urban hotel. Throughout the property a collection of unique works of art – from sculptures and handmade ceramics to wall murals and regional textiles – tell the story of the breathtaking Kenyan landscape.

The guest rooms and suites – including one Presidential Suite – offer guests a contemporary retreat to recharge and reset with breathtaking views of the city. Situated on the nine top-most floors of the high-rise tower, spacious serviced apartments will offer luxurious, exclusive experiences for long-stay guests and family groups in one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

Mindful moments can be found at Spa by JW, which offers bespoke wellness experiences for guests during their stay, including customisable massages and beauty treatments to refresh and invigorate the body. Guests can maintain their daily routines at the state-of-the-art Fitness Center on the fifth floor, featuring a yoga studio, steam room, and an outdoor pool and terrace, offering an ideal space for ultimate relaxation.

Worldly Culinary Destinations

JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi is home to a host of rich culinary experiences that elevate the city’s hospitality scene to new standards of sophistication, with the goal of creating special moments and      fostering a deeper connection between guests and locals. All-day MIDI Café&Patisserie creates the ideal spot for quick breakfasts, light lunches, or afternoon coffee and cake, while Myna Restaurant showcases international cuisine with an African flair, serving sumptuous buffet-style breakfasts and family Sunday brunches, as well as lunches and dinner from its indoor and outdoor terrace setting.    

Hudson Tavern Bar&Grill offers the ideal setting to relax while watching live sports, featuring an authentic grill house serving tapas, mezze, and classic American burgers. Fine dining in the capital city is enhanced with the arrival of Mughal, celebrating the esteemed cuisine and culture of the Mughal Empire. Guests can embark on a unique culinary journey immersed in sumptuous décor and stories reminiscent of a gracious, bygone era. The cocktail bar is a highlight, serving signature drinks and mocktails infused with Mughal ingredients and spices.

Slated to open later this year, Mr. Pang Sky Bar&Lounge, situated on the 31st floor of the hotel, is set to become the city’s evening hotspot, offering modern Pan-Asian cuisine and upscale mixology offerings across its indoor bar and lounge, outdoor terrace, and two private dining spaces, including a premium whiskey library.

Fostering Connections

JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi offers over 1,700 square metres of exceptional meeting and event spaces equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, catering to all occasions from corporate events and meetings to family gatherings and celebrations. The pillar-less Grand Ballroom, hosting up to 800 guests, is an inspirational venue for the city and can be adapted for a range of events including luxury weddings. The hotel also has a sustainable meeting program, which includes strategies for reducing waste, ensuring responsible waste management, and maintaining energy efficiency to reduce the carbon footprint of events. 

“JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi takes pride in ushering in a new chapter of refinement to our capital city,” added Eben Nel, General Manager, JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi. “The property is perfectly situated for restful overnight stays for those visitors adventuring into the country’s magnificent game reserves. For those visiting the city for longer and needing to revitalize their souls by immersing themselves in nature, the tranquility of Nairobi National Park, the world’s only national park within a capital city, is just a short drive out of the Central Business District. We are thrilled to open our doors and offer a warm Kenyan welcome, world-class service, and generous hospitality to our guests.”

Westlands is a social and entertainment hotspot within close proximity to Nairobi’s Central Business District and a number of top local attractions, including Nairobi National Museum, Karen Blixen Museum, Maasai Market, Bomas of Kenya, and Karura Forest, an urban upland forest on the outskirts of Nairobi. The Nairobi expressway links the area to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which is just a 20-minute drive away.

For further information, visit JWMarriott.com (https://apo-opa.co/4awehMm). 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..

About JW Marriott:
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW Marriott is a tribute to the founder of Marriott International, J. Willard “J.W.” Marriott, who prioritized his own well-being so that he could take better care of others. Inspired by his approach to life and rooted in holistic well-being, JW Marriott properties offer a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are over 120 JW Marriott hotels in nearly 40 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul. Visit JW Marriott online (https://JW-Marriott.Marriott.com), and on Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/43D5s1q) and Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4cqsDjg). JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments (https://apo-opa.co/4crXPyR) and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®:
Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with more than 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit MarriottBonvoy.com.

On 20 March 2024, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, received H.E. Ms. Roseline Kathure Njogu, Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Republic of Kenya, during her visit to Thailand between 18 – 24 March 2024.

Both sides discussed plans for organising the 2nd Meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Republic of Kenya, to be held in Bangkok in 2024 as well as bilateral issues such as Kenya’s requests for Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) additional scholarships in environment and medicine, visa facilitation for Kenyan English teachers in Thailand and exchanges of health workers. Both sides also emphasised the need for comprehensive measures to combat all forms of human trafficking and to provide humanitarian assistance to Kenyan nationals, lured by traffickers to work in illegal compounds in Thailand’s neighboring countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu accepted credentials from the Ambassadors/High Commissioner of Philippines, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Kenya and Georgia at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (March 27, 2024). Those who presented their credentials were:

1. H.E. Mr Josel Francisco Ignacio, Ambassador of the Republic of Philippines

2. H.E. Mr Sardor Rustambaev, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan

3. H.E. Mr Mikhail Kasko, Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus

4. H.E. Mr Peter Maina Munyiri, High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya

5. H.E. Mr Vakhtang Jaoshvili, Ambassador of Georgia

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.

Vihiga County took a significant step towards gender equality and peace by launching the UNSCR 1325 Action Plan in December 2023, at the Majengo Law Courts. The Action Plan aims to enhance the inclusion of women in peace and security structures within the county, emphasizing the crucial role women play in decision-making processes for societal progress.

During the launch event, Hon. Lady Justice Jackie Kamau, Judge of the High Court of Kenya, stressed the collective responsibility of Vihiga County and stakeholders in ensuring the successful finalization of the Action Plan. “The active engagement of civil society organizations in drafting the plan signifies a collaborative effort towards promoting women’s participation in decision-making processes and fostering peace in the county,” said Justice Kamau.

The plan outlines targeted actions across five key pillars—prevention, protection, participation, relief, and recovery—with the goal of promoting gender equality and empowering women in the county. With implementation set to begin in 2024, the launch of Vihiga’s Action Plan marks an important milestone. “Vihiga residents have a reason to feel hopeful about the county’s commitment to driving meaningful progress on these critical issues affecting women,” said Dan Bazira, UN Women Kenya Deputy Representative.

Supported by the government of Ireland, UN Women Kenya has been working with the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) through the Wadada Wa Pawa initiative, which trained women in decision-making and empowered them to participate in drafting the Action Plan. “By strengthening women’s leadership and participation, the Action Plan gained valuable insights and support to address issues such as violence against women and girls,” Mr. Bazira added.

The launch of the Vihiga County UNSCR 1325 Action Plan marks a significant milestone in advancing gender equality, empowering women, and strengthening peace and security efforts within the county. By prioritizing the inclusion of women in governance and peacebuilding, Vihiga County sets a positive example for sustainable development and harmony.

“To foster broad understanding and support, the plan needs to be translated into local languages. This important step will allow community members to comprehend, adopt and implement the strategies outlined,” said Mr. Arthur Lisimba, Vihiga County Director for Gender. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.