Sarova Hotels Group Managing Director, Jimi Kariuki (front left) and Munira Gilani (front right), exchange signed copies of the management agreement that will see Sarova Hotels managing the Kisumu-based property as Sarova Imperial Hotel./COURTESY NAIROBI, Kenya April 12-Sarova Hotels & Resorts has announced the addition of Imperial Hotel Kisumu, to the group’s portfolio after the signing of a 7-year management agreement with the hotel’s owners, the Gilani family.
The Kisumu hotel will now be named Sarova Imperial Hotel Kisumu, its eighth hotel in Kenya.
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.
“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,” said Kariuki.
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.
Located in Kisumu’s Central Business District, Sarova Imperial Hotel is currently undergoing an extensive 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.
“In 1983, Imperial Hotel was built with the vision to establish a Western Kenya tourism circuit. However, we realize that we are in a global era in which professionalization and collaboration are crucial to success and to meet our vision,” said Imperial Hotel Chairman Amin Gilani.
In a competitive hospitality industry, Kariuki said the company will continue looking at organic and inorganic avenues for growth.
