The once-iconic Hilton Hotel building in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) has found new life. Tulivu Co-Working Space has officially taken over the former Hilton premises on Mama Ngina Street, repurposing it into a modern, flexible workspace that caters to the evolving needs of Nairobi’s professionals and businesses.
The Hilton Hotel, which closed in December 2022 after five decades of operation, had struggled to attract a strategic investor until Tulivu stepped in. The new workspace aims to provide a premium environment for entrepreneurs, startups, and established companies seeking dynamic, hybrid working solutions.
“Today marks a new chapter in the way Nairobi works,” said Tulivu’s Centre Manager, Blessed Muthoni, during the launch event. “This outlet is a purpose-built environment that blends functionality, design, and service to support the modern professional.”
The facility, inaugurated by Nairobi County Executive for Business and Hustler Opportunities Anastacia Nyalita, includes private offices, co-working desks, meeting rooms, a content studio, and a conference hall.
According to a Knight Frank report, Nairobi’s co-working market now boasts over 60 active spaces, primarily concentrated in Westlands, Upper Hill, the CBD, and Karen. Prime office occupancy has risen to 77.7 percent as of June, reflecting growing demand for high-quality, flexible spaces.
Recent expansions by KOFISI, Workstyle, and the International Workplace Group (IWG) further highlight this trend, while Teleperformance’s new centre at Two Rivers is expected to create up to 5,000 jobs.
Despite this surge, older and less adaptable buildings continue to face challenges, prompting landlords to either modernize their properties or reduce rents. Analysts predict that in 2025, developers will focus more on refurbishment and sustainability upgrades rather than new construction.
Tulivu’s move into the former Hilton space symbolizes this shift a blend of heritage and modernity redefining how Nairobi works.
