Despite the turbulence that has continued to rock Kenya’s tourism industry, the hospitality industry continues to grow.
A new tourist hotel estimated to be worth billions of shillings is set to open its doors to the public in Machakos County at the end of this month.
The Gelian Hotel, which has changed the county’s skyline, has 95 rooms that include two presidential suites, four ambassadorial, 36 deluxe and 53 standard rooms. Former Precision Air CEO Alphonse Kioko, who is the hotel’s chairman, said the opening was good news for residents of Machakos County and the neighbouring Kajiado and Kitui counties.
He added that the new facility would open up accommodation options in the county. “The timing is perfect given the upcoming (Easter) festive season,” Mr Kioko told The Standard in an interview. “This facility also has a lot to offer in terms of conferencing given the proximity of Machakos to Nairobi. The hotel offers a good alternative for corporate organisations in Nairobi who would like to have events in good but not faraway places.”
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He said they ventured into the hospitality industry at a time when it was on a downward trend due to low confidence levels in destination Kenya.
Gelian Hotel has 10 floors, which Kioko said offer a panoramic view of Machakos town and its environs.
He said the staff had been selected from top five-star hotels to enhance competition.
“We have confidence in what Kenya has to offer and especially in Machakos. We feel there is still potential that has not been tapped,” he said.
Kenya Commercial Bank is the mortgage provider for the venture that has five other shareholders.
