When it comes to luxury accommodation in Kenya, the country’s political elite lead from the front, with investments worth millions in reclusive hotels and opulent lodges. In this article, we take a closer look at the multi-billion hotels owned by Kenya’s one percent.
Raphael Tuju, former Cabinet Secretary, reportedly funded the Dari Restaurant in Karen, Nairobi, through a loan from a local bank. The posh restaurant, established in 2013, maintains an eco-park theme while accommodating conferences and official events. The hotel sits on seven acres of land surrounded by tall old trees and shrubs, making the garden ideal for picnics and private ceremonies. At the time of publishing this article, the hotel risked auctioning to offset a Ksh1.2 billion debt borrowed in 2015.
The Kenyatta family is renowned for its immense wealth and investments in various sectors, including banking, hospitality, real estate, and agriculture. Heritage Hotel East Africa, which has over three decades of experience, is one of their properties and is hailed as one of the country’s leading safari companies. The company owns seven hotels, including Mara Explorer Camp, Kipungani Explorer in Lamu Island, Voyager Resort in Mombasa, and Voyager Ziwani Camp in Tsavo. Intrepids in Samburu and Maasai Mara and the Great Rift Valley Lodge in Naivasha are also part of the Heritage brand. The company is known for offering premier-class services while maintaining good relations with neighboring communities and international partners.
Weston Hotel, located along Langata road in Nairobi, is owned by William Ruto, former Deputy President of Kenya. Other properties listed include Kitengela Gas Company, Murumbi Farm in Transmara (395 Hectares), ADC Laikipia Mutara Ranch, Dolphin Hotel in Mombasa (3 Hectares), and Mata Farm in Taita Taveta (1,026 Hectares). Dolphin Hotel, a three-storey building painted white, sits on a 10-acre parcel of land and is estimated to have over 600 guest rooms.
Foreign Affairs CS Alfred Mutua, worth Ksh420 million, listed A&L Hotel in Machakos as one of his key establishments. The posh hotel features a high-ceiling dining area, outdoor eating area, large swimming pool, and accommodation suites. The hotel’s name is a combination of Alfred and his former partner, Lilian Ng’ang’a, and Mutua affirmed in a past interview that he would not change the name since relationships and business do not correlate.
Lord Erroll restaurant in Runda, Nairobi, is one of the top facilities in the hospitality sector locally, scooping both local and international awards. Established in 1997, the premier French and gourmet restaurant in East Africa offers an exquisite variety of cuisine. The restaurant comprises multiple dining rooms that can accommodate groups of 6-100 for events such as weddings, meetings, and conferences. Gideon Moi reportedly purchased the restaurant in February 2013.
In conclusion, Kenya’s political class owns some of the most luxurious hotels and lodges in the country, cementing their wealth and influence. The investments generate revenue and provide employment opportunities for Kenyans, but questions have been raised about the fairness of the process and whether the politicians are using their positions of power for personal gain.
