Former white settlers’ private getaway spot now pride of Nyeri

The White Rhino Hotel in the heart of Nyeri town has defied time to stand tall despite having been established 105 years ago by white settlers as their private hangout spot.

In 1910, three Europeans - Berkely Cole, Lord Cranworth and Sandy Herd - founded the White Rhino Hotel in what was then British East Africa.

According to various historical accounts, the establishment was named after a rhino, which was shot at the site during one of the numerous game-hunts conducted by the white settlers.

The White Rhino Hotel was well-known across the region as the first segregated exclusive pub for whites and local Africans were kept off with the threat of attacks by guard dogs, which would pounce on them if spotted in the vicinity.

In 1965 after independence, the hotel was sold off to an Asian businessman, Ramnic Bhadrese. It had only 27 rooms - most of which were not self-contained - at the time.

The hotel offered mainly single rooms and lodging facilities and a bar and restaurant for guests. Bhadrese converted the bar section into a seminar hall and the hotel began to allow in the first African patrons.

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Five years after Bhadrese acquired the hotel, he sold it to Amos Wamuyu in 1970. It was at this point that the “whites-only” sign, which had been put at the entrance, was removed, ushering in a new era for the hotel.

 BAR FOR THE ELDERS

Renovations were undertaken to convert the 27 rooms into self-contained units, reducing the number of rooms to 22. Wamuyu also partitioned the bar into two sections. One section was known as Thingira Bar for the elders to meet and enjoy a drink and discuss business.

Fifteen years later in 1985, the hotel once again changed hands from Wamuyu to the current owner: Former Kieni MP David Munene Kairu.

However, since he passed away, the hotel has been under the management of his wife, Lucy, who now runs it as a family business under their company known as Legend Hotels Limited.

General Manager of the White Rhino Hotel Philip Mbugua said the hotel has in the last five years been rebranding itself, turning it into a modern facility while maintaining its heritage and historical significance.

“The hotel was gazetted as a historical monument in 2001 and this makes it a valuable historical site for this region considering it was one of the first hotels to be established in this area,” Mbugua noted.

The hotel, which has become a landmark in Nyeri Town, has undergone several renovations to maintain its functionality as a hotel and restaurant.

In 2010, the White Rhino Hotel was renovated to create a night club, a coffee lounge, restaurant, children’s playground, a fast food section and a car park.

At the time, the hotel had only 22 rooms, but the management decided it to expand it by putting up a modern six-storey building, which increased the number of rooms to 102.

Mbugua said the hotel has remained true to its historical significance even after the renovations.

“The hotel has maintained at least four of the rooms which were part of the original facility. The rooms offer a feel of what the settlers may have experienced back in 1910,” Mbugua said.

There are now more options for clients, with four types of rooms available in the new building: superior, deluxe, executive and penthouse suites.

“We have installed panoramic elevators and ensured our rooms are disability-friendly by ensuring we have bathrooms and rooms that allow clients with any form of disability to also enjoy the comfort of the hotel,” said Mbugua.

Each floor at the hotel has an automatic shoe polisher, wide corridors under CCTV surveillance, and each room has an electronic key card system.

The penthouse suites are fitted with jacuzzis and private balconies overlooking Nyeri town. The rooftop hosts a bar and a playroom for children.

“We have increased the number of our conference facilities from one to six sound-proof conference rooms, which are located on the ground floor,” Mbugua said.

The third phase of construction is currently underway for a spa, gym and swimming pool. Mbugua said the massive investment in renovations is expected to revolutionise the hospitality industry in Nyeri County.

“We intend to capitalise on the fact that Nyeri County is strategically-located in Mt Kenya region and is only two hours away from Nairobi City by road,” he said.

The hotelier stated that Nyeri County has rich historical significance, being home to the Scout Movement, famous Mau Mau generals such as Dedan Kimathi and most recently, the beautification of Blessed Nyaatha Stefani.

“These are all opportunities that give investors the confidence to offer luxury and comfort in this town at very competitive prices,” Mbugua said.