Under the partnership worth Sh7 billion, Swiss International which owns 27 hotels in three continents, will become the sole hospitality provider of the resort/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 14 – Global hoteliers Swiss International has made an entry into the Kenyan hospitality market following a partnership with Mount Kenya Holiday Homes Limited.
Under the partnership worth Sh7 billion, Swiss International which owns 27 hotels in three continents, will become the sole hospitality provider of the resort.
Hence, it will develop and manage a 75 suite hotel, two restaurants, a bar & lounge and a villa spa among others, according to Swiss International Hotels Chairman and CEO Henri Kennedie.
“We will be working to provide a hospitality concept that will give the more than 300 expected home owners with five star hotel treatment,” said Kennedie.
The construction of Mount Kenya homes kicked off four years ago with 22 homes having been completed.
For this reason, buyers of the homes will therefore own homes on a five star resort.
According to the Developer of Mount Kenya Holiday Homes Ronald Ndegwa, 281 homes are scheduled to be completed with the estimated number of dwellers being 1,200 ultimately.
The prices of the homes differ with some starting from Sh28 million. However, under the new agreement, the prices are bound to differ.
“Apart from the 22 homes, the construction of a 9 hole golf course which is reversible to being an 18 hole golf course, has been underway and is ready to be opened. This is part of the package that we are offering those who choose to buy our homes,” Ndegwa said.
Apart from the golf course, the development will also have a clubhouse. Broken down, the 281 homes will consist of 67 villas, 128 apartments and 86 townhouses.
Additionally, the development will include a conserved natural-forest area hosting a variety of wildlife that include Zebras and Gazelles among other animals.
– Scenic foothills of Mount Kenya –
Swiss International’s decision to enter the Kenya market is based on the scenic foothills of Mount Kenya, the surrounding wildlife including sites in Nanyuki, Nyeri, Isiolo and Samburu regions.
Asked on whether the Swiss partners were not shy of entering a market whose tourism has been on its knees, Kennedie said that the outcome of the project was too luring to get cold feet.
“We knew what we were getting ourselves into. Kenya has had a reputable tourism industry for a long time. Furthermore this project is set to bring in a lot of attraction both locally and internationally.”
Kennedie estimated a 20 percent return on the initial investment at an undated time.
Through the deal, the project has therefore acquired a new brand name and will be known as Swiss International Resort Mt Kenya going forward.
