Top 25 Most Transformative Corporate Brands Impacting Business 2022

Sarova Hotels is more than just a strong brand – it is also an exceptionally well-run business.

#5

Sarova Hotels

Sarova Hotels & Resorts has been a dominant player in the Kenyan hospitality scene. As the first indigenously owned luxury group of hotels, proudly operating in some of the country’s most prominent locations for over 45 years, we have set enviable standards that have seen us grow in leaps and bounds, earning a reputation for consistent and efficient service delivery.

‘One of the most admirable things about Sarova Hotels is that it is an indigenous Kenyan business. The Group is privately held and was founded in 1974 by businessmen Hon. John Ngata Kariuki, late Gurcharan Singh Vohra and the late Mohinder Singh Vohra.

With over 1,000 employees, a respected global brand, and strong market leadership, Sarova Hotels is a testament to the possibilities that arise when family businesses are well managed and friendships in business are nurtured and valued. It’s not every day that family-owned companies grow to be as successful as Sarova Hotels.’

To ensure no compromise on quality, in most recent years we have embarked on major endeavors that have included refurbishments as well as growth of our portfolio through the management of additional properties.

Our recent accomplishments include the upgrading of The Sarova Panafric Hotel which offers a sleek, vibrant and fresh feel in 96 ensuite rooms, each with its own character. Contemporary Africa is once again represented, aligning to the hotel’s theme. The colors are rich and lively, the prints are bold and striking and the artwork eclectic. Modern elements of user-friendly technology have been incorporated to continually offer our guests a unique and memorable experience at all touchpoints.

Yet another beneficiary of our refurb efforts is the Sarova Mara Game Camp which now boasts newly refurbished deluxe and family tented rooms each with a unique blend of traditional and modern styles. Each tent comprises a spacious bed room, airy bathroom and a private verandah that provides stunning views of the Mara plains.

At the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, where we offer unmatched accommodation and conferencing facilities, the new mega meetings and events dome tent is a key highlight on our grounds. With the capacity to carry a 1000 plus head count, it features modern fixtures that aid audio-visual presentations among them large drop-down screens, high-resolution projectors and incredibly fast WIFI. All features can be tailored to suit a client’s needs. It is located on serene, ambient grounds offering an ideal space for meetings and events.

The steady growth of the brand continues and we’re proud to announce the addition of our 8th hotel in Kenya, The Sarova Imperial Hotel, Kisumu. This was after a 7-year management agreement with the hotel’s owners, the Gilani’s family was signed making us the only hospitality group in the country operating in all of 4 cities in Kenya. The entry into Kisumu City, Kenya’s third largest city, cements our footprint in the competitive hospitality industry.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Sarova Hotels Group Managing Director Jimi Kariuki, noted that the city is currently undergoing an extensive urban rejuvenation of the downtown and lower town areas and collaborating with key players such as the Kisumu County Government further enhances its attractiveness as both a business and leisure travel destination. Located in Kisumu’s central business district, Sarova Imperial Hotel is currently undergoing an extensive upgrade that once completed in August 2022, will see the launch of 93 renovated guest rooms including suites, new meeting facilities and upgraded food and beverage outlets.

Last but not least, the just concluded Africities Summit provided a historic moment for Kenya with the 9th edition of the high-profile event hosted in Kisumu City. This elevated the city’s profile in addition to the ongoing modernization of its infrastructure and sustainable transformation of the livelihoods of its people. Kitchens of Sarova, our outdoor catering arm of the business, had the distinguished & sole honor of providing world-class cuisine at the event, a true testament to our skill and consistent delivery of fresh, flavorful food prepared to the highest standards.

Serving over 7,000 delegates, including former heads of state gave us the opportunity to inject capital back into the city by partnering with local stakeholders who included hospitality players & personnel as well as commodity & service suppliers. Our commitment to country and our people remains strengthened as we continue to embark on more sustainable business ventures.

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Dr. Hanningtone Gaya

Kenya’s Dr Hanningtone Gaya, holds a PhD in Commerce in Business Management from Nelson Mandela University (NMU), is viewed as an authority in country branding and is the founder chairman of the Brand Kenya Board.

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