NAIROBI, Kenya — A pioneering KSh 2 billion residential development in Gigiri is setting a bold new standard for sustainable luxury in Africa.
Unveiling its latest project milestones, the eco-luxury development – Silva Gigiri – is actively shifting the real estate narrative from traditional high-density construction towards a lifestyle-driven, environmentally integrated approach.
This ambitious multi-billion-shilling development balances top-tier international hospitality partnerships with a steadfast commitment to preserving local nature, serving as a masterclass in modern African real estate development.
A historic step for Kenya’s hospitality sector
The project represents a significant evolutionary leap for the local service and property markets, a sentiment shared by project advisor and travel tech entrepreneur Havar Bauk.
“I think a project like this shows how far hospitality in Kenya has come. Kenya is standing out with the quality of its hospitality… This is a step up to the next level,” Bauk remarked.
Bauk, who led the process to bring in Bahrain’s renowned Gulf Hotels Group as the managing partner, noted that this project marks their assertive entry into Africa. While the final upscale international brand franchise remains undisclosed, the property’s culinary features are intended to become immediate city landmarks.
“There is the Tree restaurant, which will become iconic in Nairobi. There will also be a fine dining penthouse restaurant overlooking Karura Forest on the 12th floor.
“And this is where Gulf Hotels Group will also introduce the Crème de la Crème food and beverage brand. There is no reason why Africa should not have Michelin star quality restaurants,” Bauk explained.
Chasing global green certifications
Silva Gigiri Managing Director, Mohamed Bishar, noted that the core pillar of the KSh 2 billion project is its ambitious environmental strategy.
Bishar announced that the development is actively pursuing Gold LEED certification from the US Green Building Council – a rare achievement for local East African real estate.
US Green Building provides LEED certification. It is the highest global certificate for environmental standards. We are aiming to achieve the gold level. There is also platinum, which is extremely high. It is quite difficult to attain locally due to the available resources, so we are working towards LEED certification, which very few properties in Kenya have,” Bishar explained.
The Managing Director revealed that the developers are dedicating a significant portion of the prime acreage to natural preservation.
“Beyond that, as you can see, nearly 40% of the property is green, with natural trees and reserved forests. We are not just constructing another concrete jungle; we are creating a lifestyle development,” Bishar stated.
Inclusive investment blueprint
While the development offers ultra-premium amenities – including negotiations with the international luxury brand Eleina Spa – Wendy Nyambura, Head of Sales at Silva Gigiri, pointed out that the investment opportunity is open to all tiers of serious buyers seeking to tap into the high diplomatic demand in the area near the UN complex.
“Anyone. Everyone. Local Kenyans, expatriates, and international investors. Anybody who believes in this industry and understands the value of investment. Those are our potential target clients,” Nyambura affirmed.
She added that the project is scheduled to break ground in June 2026.
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