Devolution of Power gives rise to Hotel boon in Rural Kenya

By Silah Koskei

The Boma Inn in Eldoret. Devolution has led to the growth of the hotel industry in the North Rift region. [PHOTO: KEVIN TUNOI/STANDARD]

ELDORET, KENYA: The devolving of county governments has been credited for the rapid spur and growth of hotels in Uasin Gishu.

Following the establishment of a county government, the town has witnessed tremendous growth of new modern hotels each jostling for top position and clientele with existing hotels.

According to hotel pundits, Eldoret town has become a conference hub due to its continuous growth and a connection to neighbouring counties through its improved infrastructure.

The region currently boasts of notable hotels such as Boma Inn, Starbucks, Winstar, Horizon, Queens Garden, Horizon, Cicada, Sirikwa, Poa Place, Comfy and Noble among others.

The competition for business has seen improved service and facilities.  State of the art bars, improved lifts and an improved ambience are common place today.

Eldoret Association of Hotelier’s Chairperson Ali Kibwana attributes the skyward trend to the county government’s marshaling of services while conducting their conferences and trainings.

He noted that many counties have taken advantage of hotels within their reach to hold meetings and trainings for their staff.

“There has been a lot of infrastructural development going on in many counties and a good example is where contractors spend a few weeks with the respective officials to strategise on what the region’s outlook will be thus benefiting from the hotel services,” he says. Kibwana who is also the manager of Boma Inn hotel in Eldoret maintains that county governments have played a key role in sourcing for investors through their activities.

He insists that the current push for every county to host events in their regions has greatly benefited the existing hotels through provision of rooms and conference facilities.

“We are not badly off in comparison with other counties because we have had constant entries of officials preferring to undertake their events in Eldoret,” he adds.