Sarova Hotels and Resorts, Kenya’s collection of hospitality establishments, has added Imperial Hotel Kisumu to its portfolio after the signing of a 7-year management agreement with the hotel’s owners, the Gilani family. Imperial hotel will now be named Sarova Imperial Hotel Kisumu, and will be the group’s eighth hotel in Kenya.
By establishing a presence in Kisumu, Sarova Hotels is now operating properties in the country’s four cities – Sarova Stanley and Sarova Panafric in Nairobi, Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort in Mombasa, Sarova Imperial Hotel in Kisumu, and Sarova Woodlands and Sarova Lion Hill in the new city, Nakuru.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Sarova Hotels group managing director Jimi Kariuki said that having a presence in Kisumu City and in the larger Western Kenya region has always been part of the hospitality group’s growth plan.
Mr Kariuki noted that the city is currently under-going an extensive urban rejuvenation of the downtown and lower town areas. The project is being driven by the Kisumu County Government and this will further enhance its attractiveness as both a business and leisure travel destination.
“The city’s location on the shores of Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria, and the on-going modernisation of the lakefront makes Kisumu a unique destination to add to the Sarova experience. Kisumu is fast becoming an attractive destination to visit, not only by business travellers but also by tourists, mainly domestic tourists,” he said.
He added that Kisumu International Airport also makes the city easily assessable by air with daily 45-minutes flights from Nairobi operated by Kenya Airways, Jambojet and Safarilink Aviation.
“There is also a daily passenger train service from Nairobi to Kisumu” said Kariuki.
Located in Kisumu’s Central Business District, Sarova Imperial Hotel is currently undergoing an upgrade that once complete in July/August 2022 will see the launch of 93 renovated guest bedrooms including suites, new meetings facilities, and upgraded food and beverage outlets.
Imperial Hotel Chairman Amin Gilani said that in 1983, Imperial Hotel was built with the vision to establish a Western Kenya tourism circuit. Today, that is not the case.
“We realize that we are in a global era in which professionalization and collaboration are crucial to success and to meet our vision. After operating the hotel for 40 years, Sarova Hotels is the ideal partner for further growth due to their industry leadership, rich history and a deep respect for community, tradition and sustainability,” said Gilani.
In a competitive hospitality industry, Kariuki said, the company will continue looking at organic and inorganic avenues for growth.
“Having been in existence for over 48 years, we have the experience, the expertise and the business infrastructure to provide management support to hotel owners who are looking for this. We will continue to scout for new properties in Kenya and the region in line with the vision of our shareholders, as well as enter different segments of the hospitality business,” he said.