Startup takes hospitality discounts online

Mr Tony Kirui left Kenya in 2005, and on his return nine years later, the country had changed so much that a simple walk around Nairobi left him more baffled than invigorated.

The 35-year-old remembers once walking around the city’s town for about three hours before finding a restaurant that served good Italian food. Because of his limited knowledge on available eating spots, he ended up paying a hefty price for lunch.

Events and deals

And on his first weekend back home, he wasted an entire evening driving around the outskirts of Nairobi looking for a club that played the kind of rock music he enjoys.

For him, these challenges were serious, and he was determined to find a solution. Four months ago, he did.

“I created a website to market the products, services, promotions, discounts, events and deals that some of the best hotels, clubs and restaurants in Kenya have to offer. The site, two4one.co.ke, is a one-stop hospitality online magazine,” says Mr Kirui.

The University of Nairobi alumnus, who went to Australia in 2005 to pursue a Masters degree in computer science, says the platform is for users searching for a good, fairly priced lunch, or what club is playing their kind of music or has deals on cocktails, and even where to get discounted five-star accommodation. The website allows user reviews.

The site offers a free, detailed listing service for suppliers, including clubs, hotels and restaurants, to enable them advertise their products and services.

“Two4one is all about promoting competition within the hospitality industry for the benefit of the public. This is also in line with the Government’s goal of promoting local tourism. We showcase all offers and discounts that establishments offer, allowing customers to access and choose the best deals.”

The company, which gets its clients through advertising and referrals, has already expanded its services to include consultancy.

“We provide marketing consultations for companies that are Two4one members. We also negotiate discounts and offers for corporates or large groups with various establishments,” he says.

Kirui adds that his being located in Australia, where he works as a telecommunications engineer, has not hurt business as he has delegated duties to a team in Kenya that handles the day-to-day operations.

“The reception has been amazing on social media. Our Facebook page has nearly 5,000 likes and we’ve signed up more than 1,000 members through our website.”

The site makes its money through advertising, commissions and hopes to later charge a fee for listings.

Direct contact

But there are already several websites on Kenya’s eating out and entertainment scene, so what makes Two4one different?

“It is the only one-stop online promotional platform for hotels, clubs and restaurants, collectively, in Kenya.

“The website offers direct contact to every establishment, not a third-party customer service that keeps you waiting forever. If one is visiting a new town, say Kisumu, he or she can quickly check out our website on a mobile phone and find out what restaurants have the best food and prices, what clubs are nearby, and to wrap things up, where to get a good deal on accommodation.”

Kirui, who also runs a farm in Kenya, says for users to fully benefit from the platform, they should register as Two4one members to access deals, discounts and promotions exclusively advertised through text messages and email newsletters.

The company also has plans to introduce a loyalty card that will give members access to an even wider range of discounts.

“We will look at integrating this card with payment services such as M-Pesa, and diversify our clientele to include those in other African countries and industries outside hospitality.”

lkiarie@standardmedia.co.ke