More job losses as InterContinental Hotel ponders closing shop in Kenya

InterContinental Hotels Corporation Limited (Kenya Branch) is considering permanently closing shop in Kenya due to “operational reasons”.

Therefore, the hotel has issued a 45 days’ notice of redundancy to all its employees.

“We write to inform you that Intercontinental Hotels Corporation Limited (Kenya Branch) is for operational reasons considering a permanent closure and winding up all its operations in the Republic of Kenya,” reads part of the redundancy letter seen by Parents Magazine.

The hotel has opened communication channels for its employees to receive and address any concerns regarding the redundancy.

In 2019, there was intention to auction the 51-year-old hotel due to an unpaid debt. Though the hotel did not site whether it was closing its operations due to Covid-19, a new owner could be buying the prestigious hotel.

The Kenyan government, owns a 33.8 per cent stake of the hotel.

Located at the Nairobi Central Business District near parliament buildings and the KICC, the hotel hosts a poolside restaurant, coffee shop and several bars. It is a preferred accommodation to many business travellers.

Similarly, in June 2020, Intercontinental Hotels Group started redundancy consulations with its staff at five of their Scottish hotels.

The hotels, which are located in Edinburgh and Glasgow include the Kimpton Charlotte Square, Intercontinental The George and Crown Plaza in Edinburgh. Others include Grand Central and Kimpton Blythswood Square in Glasgow.

The hotels have been closed since March and most staff have been sent on a leave of absence.

Though it is not clear how many employees have been declared redundant, the hotels employ over 500 employees.