Trianum is led by a dynamic team of women who bring decades of diverse experience in hospitality, finance, law, and operations. The Muna sisters – Samantha Muna (Founder & Managing Director, extreme right), Mwende Muna Mutinda (Financial Director, second from right), and Mutheu Muna-Mwaniki (Director of Legal and Asset Management, second from left) – have combined their expertise to pioneer the serviced apartment model in Kenya, blending international standards with African hospitality.
Alongside Liza Uku (CEO, extreme left), they are redefining what inclusive, community-driven leadership looks like in the region’s hospitality industry. Their approach champions local sourcing, women and youth employment, and authentic African guest experiences – proving that profitability and social impact can go hand in hand.
Nairobi, Kenya – 14 August 2025, Trianum Hospitality, East Africa’s leading independent hotel operator, is marking 15 years of redefining the region’s hospitality sector with a strategic growth plan that blends regional expansion, innovative hospitality concepts, and a deep commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
Founded in 2010 as a boutique hospitality advisory firm, Trianum has grown into a powerhouse brand managing seven properties with 335 keys across Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. With average occupancy rates of 80% and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) margins above 30% for stabilized properties, the company guides hotel owners through every stage of the journey—from concept design and feasibility studies to construction, pre-opening, and full operational management.
“For 15 years, we’ve turned ideas into thriving hospitality businesses,” said Samantha Muna, Founder and Board Director. “Our niche is bridging the gap for investors and developers who have the capital to build hotels but not the operational expertise to make them succeed. We bring that expertise, pair it with global brand partnerships like Best Western, and deliver properties that meet both local and international standards.”
Market Segments & Guest Insights
- Pan-African Dominance – While originally targeting expatriates and UN visitors, Trianum’s largest guest segment is now Pan-African, with travellers from Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, and other African nations choosing the brand for business, conferencing, family visits, and increasingly for medical stays.
- Medical Tourism Growth – Trianum properties have become a preferred option for families and caregivers of patients seeking treatment in Nairobi. The company is in discussions with insurance providers to integrate secure, serviced accommodation into medical relocation packages.
- Beyond Airbnb – Unlike traditional short-term rentals, Trianum combines the flexibility of extended stays with full hospitality services—24-hour reception, security, daily housekeeping, and on-site amenities—providing safety and convenience for guests new to Kenya.
- Security as a Differentiator – A key draw for first-time visitors, such as researchers and students, who often extend their stays for peace of mind and service reliability.
Bold Regional Ambitions
The next chapter includes projects under development in Rwanda, Zanzibar, and other regional hubs, with feasibility and design work underway for up to four new properties across East Africa. These build on a proven track record of launching and managing successful projects, including Executive Residency by Best Western (Riverside Drive) and Heri Heights SureStay Collection by Best Western (Arboretum Drive).
“We are committed to growing the Pan-African hospitality footprint—one successful project and one trusted client at a time,” added Samantha Muna. “Our expansion is timed and tailored to market readiness, ensuring long-term sustainability for every property we operate.”
Driving Local Impact Through ESG
At the heart of Trianum’s operations is Local Options to Create an African Landscape (LOCAL) —ensuring that growth directly benefits communities:
- Local Sourcing – Partnering with Kenyan suppliers to keep procurement spend in the community.
- Inclusive Employment – Promoting women into leadership and mentoring the next generation of youth in hospitality careers.
- Environmental Stewardship – Eliminating single-use plastics, introducing refillable amenities, recycling with TakaTaka Solutions, repurposing used cooking oil through ENI Energy, and implementing energy- and water-saving systems across properties.
“At Trianum, impact goes beyond business,” said Liza Uku, CEO. “We design properties and run operations in a way that strengthens communities—by creating jobs for women and youth, sourcing from local businesses, and connecting guests to authentic Kenyan and African experiences.”
Shaping the Future of African Hospitality
From pioneering apartment hotels in Kenya to delivering consistently strong returns for owners, Trianum’s model has proven resilient—even through the COVID-19 pandemic. With a robust project pipeline, sharpened regional focus, and embedded ESG principles, the company is set to define the next decade of East African tourism.
Trianum Living, the company’s new growth vision, is anchored on four strategic pillars:
- Residences by Trianum – Expanding signature apartment hotels and shared ownership properties.
- Nest & Nomad Homestays – A curated portfolio of unique community-based stays in Machakos, Kilifi, Nyeri, and Nanyuki.
- Boutique Lifestyle Hotels – Small, exclusive properties offering vibrant, personalized experiences.
- Scapes The Restaurant – Modern bistros serving comfort food and hosting stylish events, now in two locations and poised for growth.
Trianum has formally entered the Rwandan market with Trianum Century Rwanda Limited and is exploring opportunities in Uganda, Tanzania, and other East African markets. Longstanding partnerships with Best Western Hotel Group since 2016 have strengthened its global reach, and discussions with other hotel groups are underway.
Plans are also in motion to establish a hotel equity fund for strategic investments in high-potential projects, enabling long-term growth while making hospitality more accessible as an asset class.
For more information, visit: www.trianum.co.ke
Read https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001240207/siblings-managing-apartment-hotels
Media Contact:
Wangeci Kanyeki I Media Relations Lead I wangeci.kanyeki@brandspark.co.ke I 0703524872
Trianum Contact:
Catherine Mungai I Group Sales & Marketing Manager, Trianum Hospitality I 0720 804 708 I catherine.mungai@trianum.co.ke I www.trianum.co.ke
