Nairobi, as Kenya’s capital and a major tourism and business hub, has many hotels and hospitality groups regularly hiring staff at different levels, such as:
Large international and urban hotels:
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Hyatt (front office, reservations)
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JW Marriott Nairobi (multiple hospitality roles)
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Accor brands (e.g., Novotel Nairobi, MGallery hotels)
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Serena Hotels (often has management and service openings)
Other establishments with regular openings:
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Boutique and business hotels in Westlands, Kilimani, and CBD
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Smaller locally branded hotels and lodges
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Conference-oriented business hotels that host corporate guests
Large hotels often post vacancies on their own careers pages or accept direct CV submissions.
📋 2. Common Hotel Job Roles in Nairobi
Here are typical job categories you’ll find in the hospitality industry locally:
1. Front Office / Reception Roles
Examples: Front Office Receptionist, Front Desk Assistant, Reservations Host.
Key duties:
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Welcome guests and handle check-ins/check-outs
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Manage reservations and guest records
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Handle enquiries, billing, and payments
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Provide information about hotel services and local attractions
2. Food & Beverage (F&B) Roles
Examples: Waitstaff, Host/Hostess, F&B Attendant, Restaurant Supervisor, Banqueting Executive.
Key duties:
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Serve food and drinks with professional table service
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Set up for events or banquets
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Ensure hygiene and hospitality standards
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Support upselling of meals and services
3. Kitchen & Culinary
Examples: Executive Chef, Sous Chef, Stewarding staff.
Key duties:
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Prepare quality meals according to hotel standards
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Manage kitchen hygiene and safety
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Supervise kitchen teams and manage inventory
4. Housekeeping & Cleaning
Examples: Housekeeper, Housekeeping Supervisor.
Key duties:
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Clean guest rooms and public areas
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Maintain supply levels and quality standards
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Train and oversee housekeeping teams
5. Night / Duty Management
Examples: Night Manager.
Key duties:
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Oversee hotel operations after hours
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Handle guest issues and emergencies
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Manage nightly staffing and financial procedures
6. Other Support & Corporate Roles
Examples: Marketing Executive, Sales Coordinator, Accountant, Maintenance Staff.
Key duties:
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Promote hotel services
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Manage bookings, finances, and hotel systems
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Support electrical/engineering or marketing functions
🎓 3. Typical Requirements
For most hotel jobs in Nairobi:
✔ National ID and eligibility to work in Kenya (e.g., valid National ID, work permit for non-Kenyan applicants).
✔ KCSE certificate (Form 4) minimum for many entry-level positions.
✔ Diploma or certificate in hospitality, hotel management, or a related field — preferred for front office, supervisory, and specialized F&B roles. Some jobs accept relevant experience in lieu of formal hospitality qualifications.
Experience:
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Entry-level roles (e.g., waiter, receptionist assistant) may accept minimal experience.
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Mid-level and supervisory roles usually require 1–3 years (or more) in hospitality.
Skills employers commonly seek:
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Strong communication and customer service skills
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Good grooming and professional conduct
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Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
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Basic computer literacy, especially for front office and reservations work
📍 4. How to Apply for Hotel Jobs in Nairobi
1) Direct CV Submission
Visit hotel reception or human resources offices during daytime with:
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Updated CV
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Copies of your National ID
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Academic and hospitality certificates
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Any reference letters
Ask to speak with HR about open roles.
2) Email Applications
Many hotels accept emailed CVs and cover letters. For example, some large hotel careers pages let you upload your CV for review; others list an HR contact email for general submissions. Hotels like Hyatt and Kwetu Nairobi welcome future CVs directly.
Suggested email subject:
“Application for [Job Title] – [Your Name]”
3) Online Job Boards & Hotel Websites
Check hospitality job listings on Kenyan job portals, hotel careers pages, and LinkedIn. Many larger hotels post openings online first.
4) Recruitment Agencies
Some hotels use agencies to shortlist candidates — submitting your CV to reputable hospitality recruitment agencies can increase exposure to employers.
💡 5. Tips to Improve Your Chances
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Tailor your CV to hospitality — highlight customer service and relevant experience.
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Include a short cover letter expressing your interest and career goals.
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Follow up politely after submitting your application.
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Be available for short notice interviews and practical assessments.
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Maintain professional dress and grooming for in-person applications.
📌 Industry Notes
The hospitality sector in Nairobi has a range of jobs, from entry-level service roles to management and specialist positions. Career progression is common with experience, training, and sometimes further hospitality qualifications
