The Nairobi Upperhill Hotel, a prominent establishment in Nairobi, has been placed under receivership by the National Bank of Kenya (NBK). This move comes after the hotel, owned by businessman Geoffrey Wahome Muotia, accumulated a debt of Ksh447 million. The receivership was officially announced on August 20, 2025, and the Receiver and Manager of the hotel has been appointed as Kamal Anantroy Bhatt of Anant Bhatt LLP.
Details of the Receivership
According to a public notice from National Bank, the appointment of Kamal Anantroy Bhatt as Receiver and Manager took place on August 18, 2025. As the appointed Receiver, Bhatt now holds authority over the assets and operations of the hotel. The bank also warned that no transactions involving the hotel’s assets, such as buying, selling, or using them, can be conducted without the Receiver’s written consent.
The notice also emphasized that any unauthorized dealings with the hotel’s assets would result in legal action. The Receiver is authorized to oversee the day-to-day affairs of the hotel but bears no personal liability in the process.
The Debt Situation and Background
The Nairobi Upperhill Hotel has been in debt to National Bank since 2014, with the initial loan amounting to Ksh281 million. This debt included:
- A Ksh10 million overdraft
- Ksh236 million in commercial mortgages
- A Ksh35 million term loan
The outstanding debt has now ballooned to Ksh447 million due to accumulated interest and charges over the years. This financial strain has led to the decision to place the hotel under receivership.
About Nairobi Upperhill Hotel
The Nairobi Upperhill Hotel is a four-storey establishment located along Mawensi Road in the Upper Hill area of Nairobi. The hotel has been popular with both business and leisure travelers due to its proximity to the city’s central business district and the numerous corporate offices in the area.
The hotel boasts several facilities, including:
- A spacious lobby
- Stairways and lifts
- A reception area with operator and reservation desks
- A business center
- A gift shop
- A bar
Despite its popularity and strategic location, the hotel’s financial challenges have led to the intervention by National Bank.
Next Steps for Creditors and Stakeholders
As part of the legal requirements, DT Dobie & Company has appointed the Official Receiver as the liquidator of its assets. In an insolvency notice issued by the High Court of Kenya on August 15, 2025, the Official Receiver confirmed that the liquidation process is underway following a Special Resolution passed in June 2025.
Creditors who wish to file claims for their debts against the hotel must submit Proof of Debts (Form No. 5) via the Business Registration Service portal at www.brsv2.ecitizen.go.ke by September 15, 2025.
Contact Information for Inquiries
For any questions regarding the liquidation process or inquiries related to the Nairobi Upperhill Hotel, stakeholders and creditors can reach out to:
Kamal Anantroy Bhatt
Anant Bhatt LLP
1st Floor, City House, Nyerere Avenue, Mombasa
P.O. Box 80766-80100
Telephone: 0726 241 555
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.anantbhattilp.com
Conclusion
The receivership of the Nairobi Upperhill Hotel marks a significant turn for the hotel’s financial future. With National Bank stepping in, the hotel’s operations will be overseen by Kamal Anantroy Bhatt, whose role is crucial in ensuring the proper winding down of the hotel’s operations while adhering to legal requirements. For creditors and stakeholders, the next steps include submitting claims through the official liquidation process, which will provide clarity on the resolution of the hotel’s debts.
