PuraVida Sports

Hoteliers in Gilgil are angling for a piece of the pie during the upcoming World Rally Championship Safari Rally with their Naivasha counterparts having enjoyed a “five course meal” – economically speaking – since the competition resumed its global status four years ago.

With the event spilling within the confines of the “military town” of Gilgil, players in the hospitality industry are hoping for a share of the spoils when the international and local rallying fans come calling to witness the global event.

The proprietor of Gilgil’s Acacia Gardens, Ann Mugi, admitted that the hospitality industry within Nakuru County has been dominated largely by their Naivasha counterparts since the return of the global rally four years ago.

“It has been a learning curve for us in Gilgil but we are now equal to the task. We have ready facilities to comfortably host rally craze fans…We have what it takes,” she quipped.

Her facility, located in the scenic and rocky Gilgil, is eye catching, with the reclining rocks on the edges of the hotel offering an evening hike for the young and the old, as the sun sets in the horizon

Trees swing in tandem with cool evening breeze as birds coo a familiar tone in the wild.

Visitors are assured of high end comfort that include spacious rooms, classy restaurant and sumptuous traditional food, with organic vegetables being grown within the vast compound.

Mugi spoke highly of her facility and others within the sub-county calling on rally lovers to drive down the road and enjoy the Gilgil ambience, having savoured the Naivasha establishments.

“From Gilgil, they can easily access the Sleeping Warrior stage which, quite literally, awakens during the rallying competition. The route is also devoid of the usual traffic jam making it easier for the lodger,” she opined 

She is upbeat that the industry will cash on this year’s event, offering unusual competition to their Naivasha colleagues.

“I am sure with the kind of facilities that are already in place, we will give our counterparts in Naivasha a run for their money. All we need in visibility and aggressive marketing strategy to gain a foothold during the march rally event,” added Mugi.

Nakuru Country Tourism Association (NCTA) Chairman David Mwangi vouched for Gilgil to shine, admitting that investors have also cashed on the hospitality industry 

“Our clarion call is for the rally diehards to savour Gilgil…,” he said.

Buoyed by the success in successfully hosting the previous editions the long serving chairman laid out a series of activities they have undertaken to ensure that the industry remains afloat amidst the challenging business environment.

“We have taken our staff members for refresher courses, especially at the Kenya Utalii College amongst other government establishments to sharpen their skills and broaden their knowledge,” he said.

The initiative, he noted, had helped the players in the sector to be well-equipped in handling high profile guests both locally and internationally, especially during the WRC event.

He hailed the move to separate the calendar event from the traditional Easter festivities, saying it will ensure “distributed revenue” and improved cash earnings for industry players.

“Last year, the passive lot who enjoy their Easter period in tranquility kept away from the “rally chaos”. We are hoping the group will visit at the end of the competition, offering hoteliers a double revenue stream,” said Mwangi.

He extolled the vigour brought by the new Sport Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, terming it a “blessing to the rallying fraternity.”

“He is keen on detail and his all-inclusive approach is a boon to the competition. We expect a seamless event,” he pointed out.

But Mr Mwangi is worried by the dwindling financial power among the majority of Kenyans, admitting that the hard economic times has affected citizens, arguing that it might affect the expected spending by rally lovers.

“let’s face it, times are hard unlike the previous years, despite the projected visitation of about 100,000 rally fans, we are now reviewing the numbers downward,” said Mwangi.

Despite the economic shortcomings hoteliers in Naivasha and Gilgil are expecting improved business. They are keeping their fingers closed.