Blessed Muthoni, Centre Manager -Tulivu Co working space gives her speech during the official launch of Tulivu co working spaces.
The former Hilton building
in Nairobi has found an occupant after several years of struggling to get a
strategic investor.
A new co-working
space has opened in the premises formerly occupied by the Hilton Hotel that closed
down operations in December 2022, marking a major shift in the use of one of
the city’s most iconic buildings.
Tulivu Co-Working
Space has taken over the site on Mama Ngina Street, repurposing it into a
modern workspace targeting entrepreneurs, small businesses and corporate teams
seeking flexible office arrangements.
“Today marks a new
chapter in the way Nairobi works. This outlet is a purpose-built environment
that brings together functionality, design, and service to support the modern
professional,” said Tulivu co-working center
manager Blessed Muthoni.
A report by Knight
Frank, Nairobi’s coworking market is diverse, with over 60 spaces now
operating, primarily concentrated in areas like Westlands, Upperhill, the CBD
and Karen.
Prime office
occupancy has been on the rise climbing to 77.7 per cent in June, a
five-percentage-point increase from 72.7 per cent recorded in January.
The surge signals
a stronger demand for high-quality workspace, driven largely by coworking
operators and business process outsourcing (BPO) firms.
The sector is
becoming increasingly selective, with a clear focus on premium assets.
Properties boasting strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG)
credentials are considered best positioned for long-term success. Industry
analysts conclude that quality, flexibility, and strategic positioning are now
the defining factors for the resilient market.
The facility was
inaugurated by Nairobi County’s Executive Committee Member for Business and
Hustler Opportunities, Anastacia Nyalita.
Nairobi has in the
recent past recorded a spike for shared and serviced offices amid changing work
patterns and the rise of hybrid models.
In the first six
months of the year, Prominent expansions in the space included KOFISI Kaskazi’s
90,000-square-foot workspace in Westlands, Workstyle’s move into The Mandrake,
and the International Workplace Group’s (IWG) continued rollout of its Regus
and HQ brands.
Teleperformance
also opened a new centre at Two Rivers International Finance and Innovation
Centre, expected to create up to 5,000 jobs.
Despite growth in
top-grade spaces, older and less adaptable buildings are struggling to attract
tenants, with landlords under pressure to retrofit properties or lower rents.
Knight Frank
projects that developers will remain cautious about new office projects in
2025, focusing instead on quality refurbishments and sustainability upgrades.
Tulivu’s facility
includes private offices, co-working desks, meeting rooms, a content studio,
and a conference hall.