Choice Hotels International announced plans to enter the African market with three franchised hotels in Kenya expected to open in early 2026. The company also signed a master development agreement that outlines additional growth in sub-Saharan and southern Africa through at least 15 more properties by 2030.
The Kenya portfolio will include an Ascend Collection property in the Maasai Mara National Reserve and two hotels in Nairobi’s central business district under the Clarion and Quality Inn brands. The properties are expected to serve business and leisure demand in Nairobi and visitors to the Maasai Mara.
“Our international business represents the most significant growth opportunity for Choice Hotels, and we’ve built a scalable global platform that will accelerate our gains in the near future,” said Pat Pacious, president and CEO. “Our fast-growing footprint and performance results prove that Choice Hotels is well-positioned to help franchisees succeed in more destinations than ever before. Entering Africa is an important milestone in that journey and presents a unique opportunity to bring our world-class hospitality to one of the continent’s fastest-growing hospitality markets.”
“Working with Choice Hotels was an easy decision,” said Aniket Shroff, who currently franchises with Choice Hotels in the U.S. and is leading the development. “Beyond a strong global brand portfolio, the company provides the tools, resources, and guidance that have already helped me grow my business. That level of support gives me confidence these hotels will thrive, and it reflects the kind of franchisee partnership built to succeed in both international and domestic markets.”
“As Choice Hotels grows its presence in new markets, we’re creating more opportunities for our franchisees to thrive,” said Ricardo Losada Revol, SVP & general manager, International. “It’s a testament to what sets us apart: We deliver the brands and support systems designed to help our franchisees achieve growth and profitability globally.”
The addition of the three hotels in Kenya is accretive to Choice Hotels’ Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) portfolio, which now approaches 64,000 rooms and has grown by 7% year-over-year as of the third quarter, Choice said. This expansion follows the doubling of the company’s portfolio in France through the addition of 50 Quality Suites hotels.
The new properties also extend Choice Hotels’ networl of new market. Earlier this year, the company announced expansion in China through a master franchise and distribution agreement with SSAW Hotels & Resorts, adding more than 9,500 rooms to Ascend Collection Hotels and committing to grow Comfort Hotels and Quality to 100 properties in the country. The company also established a new presence in Argentina and Suriname with the addition of Radisson Blu Bariloche, Radisson RED Funes in the greater Rosario area, along with the opening of Radisson Hotel Paramaribo .
