NEWS

TOURISM AND KENYA ELECTIONS

Kenya a great Nation is about to go into elections and it our hope and prayers that all will be well. I have spent most of my childhood in Nairobi and I have too many friends in Kenya. Nairobi is not only a huge city but it is a city with a soul.. just the same way that other big cities have a culture then Nairobi is not left behind. The people of Nairobi who never sleep; hawkers from dusk to dawn and the Nairobi during the day is nothing close to what it looks like during the night. The flashy night clubs, well dressed ladies in peoples arms and the heavy traffic at night as people try to go home is what signifies the late early night Nairobi. I cant also forget the Pizza joints and the new culture of taking overpriced coffee in the name of catching up in the evenings; but that is what makes Nairobi and its people special. The people of Nairobi and Kenya at large are very hard working and always looking out for new idea and opportunities this is why it comes as no surprise when M-PESA became the largest mobile money transfer platform.

It is this spirit of embracing new ideas and opportunities that has made Kenya's tourism industry to grow so fast. The Utalii college which has been known to have played a vital role in shaping the East African hospitality industry from as early as 1975. This is one of the many examples on how the tourism industry has been well developed and it will be a sad thing if all this goes down the drain if Kenyans dont embrace peace at this crucial time.

In 1997 when Kenyan Elections didn't go so well it was sad to see a well establish industry that support so many lives go down. The number of tourists visiting Kenya reduced significantly and many people lost their jobs. It is crucial for Kenyans to maintain peace for their own happiness as well as to save this multi million industry that so many of them rely on.

Tourists have always enjoyed visiting Kenya and it will be good if Kenyans maintain the beautiful country that they has worked so hard to build over so many year. When I look at Nairobi I am filled with admiration of a country that has grown so fast. The infrastructure is growing from the bypass to the SGR. I thought the SGR will be a wonderful addition to the Kenyan tourism industry. Tourists and locals can now travel to Mombasa faster and cheaper which will make increase tourism in the coastal region tremendously.

Kenya has greatly positioned itself as a gateway to east Africa and with lots of tourists landing in Nairobi before visiting the other countries within east Africa. A peaceful Kenya is not only important for Kenyans but for East Africa as a block.  Let us keep Kenyans in our prayers as they make the important decision regarding their leaders.

REST IN PEACE MR. A.M MREMA

It is with a heavy heart that we have received the news of the passing away of Mr. A.M Mrema a great businessman and an icon of Arusha in hotel and Tourism industry. He was the owner of Impala hotel, Naura Spring hotel and Ngurdoto Lodge which are some of the leading hotels within Arusha town. Mr. Mrema not only changed the way many hotels in the region operate but he was a pace setter and always inspiring others in the industry to aim higher.

The interesting thing about him is he worked very hard to ensure his hotels succed but he was solemly seen in function and other events within Arusha. Those who knew him closely would talk about his hard work and firmness in the business but also very fair to his staff and other business associates. We was a leader to be emulated and the industry will surely miss him. Rest in peace Mr.A.M Mrema