The former Chairman, Kenya Tourism Federation, Mohammed Hersi has congratulated Mahmud Janmohamed, on his appointment as Chairman of the Board of Kenya’s premier hotel school, Kenya Utalii College.
Mahud was formerly the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Serena Hotels.
Hersi said: “I would like to thank H.E. President William Samoei Ruto William and the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Rebecca Miano , for identifying Mr. Jan Mohamed as the Chair. This is an excellent move, as MJM is a leader who supported Utalii College for decades during his tenure as CEO MD of Serena Hotels. Every year, Serena Hotels would recruit students directly from the campus , consistently seeking the best talent. During his tenure, management trainees—young and promising managers—were selected even before graduation. This is a practice Serena carry out to date .
“This approach explains why Serena Hotels across East Africa, not only in Kenya, are managed by Kenyans. Whether at Kivu Serena, Kirawira Serena, Zanzibar Serena or Maputo Serena , the General Manager is Kenyan. The same pattern is evident in the culinary department, where many Executive Chefs are also Kenyan.
“Today, he has been appointed Chairman of the very institution he supported wholeheartedly through the Serena Hotels group. I am confident that Mwalimu Mwakai Sio is delighted with this development, as many positive transformations occurred during his tenure as Principal.
“Once again, hongera to MJM. I wish you all the very best and my full support as we join hands to uplift Kenya Utalii College and reclaim its rightful position as Africa’s leading hotel and tourism institution.”
As always, I choose to remain an optimist.
Mohammed Hersi
Mombasa
