Major Blow for Mary Wambui as Equity Bank Takes Control of Glee Hotel, Appoints Administrator

Operations at Glee Hotel have taken a new turn after Equity Bank placed the establishment under administration and assumed control of its management and assets, signaling deep financial troubles for businesswoman Mary Wambui, who is linked to the hotel.

A notice issued under the Insolvency Act, No. 18 of 2015, shows that Kamal Anantroy Bhatt of Anant Bhatt LLP now serves as the administrator overseeing the hotel’s affairs.

The appointment took effect on July 6, 2026, marking the beginning of a structured effort to address the company’s financial challenges.

“Pursuant to Section 563 (2) (b) of the Insolvency Act 2015 of Kenya, NOTICE is hereby given that effective 6th July 2026, Kamal Anantroy Bhatt has been appointed as Administrator of Glee Hotel Limited (Under Administration) by Equity Bank Kenya Limited,” the notice stated.

Following the appointment, the administrator assumed full control of the company’s operations, assets and financial decisions.

As a result, the directors no longer transact or make decisions on behalf of the company.

Glee Hotel Administration Signals Deep Financial Strain

Consequently, the notice highlights the extent of the takeover, as the administrator now controls all managerial functions while efforts to stabilise the hotel begin.

“By virtue of the Administration, the powers of the Directors of the Company in terms of dealing and/or transacting with the Company’s Assets have ceased,” the notice read.

Meanwhile, creditors and stakeholders must submit their claims within 30 days, attaching supporting documents to support the assessment of liabilities.

At the same time, directors must submit a detailed statement of affairs within 12 days, outlining the company’s financial position.

“The Administrator has taken control over the assets and the management of the affairs of the Company,” the notice added.

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Rising Cases of Hotels Under Administration

Notably, the placement of Glee Hotel under administration adds to a growing list of high-profile hospitality establishments facing financial distress in Kenya.

In 2022, KCB seized English Point Marina in Mombasa and placed it under receivership over a Ksh5 .2 billion debt.

Similarly, other hotels, including Nairobi’s Eastland Hotel, continue to face financial challenges, reflecting broader pressures in the sector.

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Overall, rising operational costs, high debt burdens, and fluctuating occupancy rates continue to weigh heavily on hotel investments.

As a result, lenders increasingly turn to administration and receivership as recovery tools while still aiming to keep businesses operational.

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Notice announces the appointment of an administrator to take over the Glee Hotel under Equity Bank’s control due to debt. PHOTO/ Daily Nation.