COVID-19: Fairmont closes Norfolk and Mara Safari Club indefinitely

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Fairmont The Norfolk, Nairobi.

The management of Fairmont Hotels and Resorts has resolved to shut down two of their establishments and fire all employees over projected effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on business.

“Due to the uncertainty of when and how the impact of the global pandemic will result in the business picking up in the near future, we are left with no option but to close down the business indefinitely,” a memo to staff signed by the Country General Manager, Mehdi Morad, said.

All major hotels in Kenya remain closed temporarily since March when flights were suspended and major restrictions imposed by the government to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The Fairmont memo to staff said the decision to close the business indefinitely had taken into consideration various demands by employees which, the Country General Manager said, are out of reach for the company in the prevailing circumstances.

“It is therefore the decision of the management to terminate the services of all its employees due to frustration by way of mutual separation and taking into account the loyalty and dedication the employees have put into the success of our company in the previous years,” Morad wrote in the May 27 memo.

Staff were advised to collect their termination letters June 5.

“Employees will be entitled to one month’s pay in lieu of notice,” he said and assured them of their pension.