1. As a trained pharmacist how did you get into the hospitality and construction industry?
I was born and raised in Mombasa then I studied and practiced pharmacy in Canada and the UK for close to a decade.
When I came back my family was already in the hardware business. I became a developer by default, since I come from a family with several generations of builders.
When you trace our bloodline back to India you will find we come from contractors. It’s sort of in my blood.
2. What do you love most about Kenya?
I’m second-generation Kenyan and my children are born here so we are now three generations. I love Kenya as my home.
Having lived overseas and travelled the world, I’ve seen that nothing compares to what we have here. We often take our unique environment for granted — we have everything, from the sea, to the snow-capped mountains, the desert and savannah.
We are also blessed because we don’t get any of these calamities like hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis. The ocean never bothers us. Where else in the world can you get all of this in one place?
3. How have you sought to bring the beauty of Kenya to the world?
Kenyan people are by far the biggest asset we have. Kenyan hospitality is unique. That is what we need to sell to the world.
I have run my resort for almost two decades now and spoken to a lot of holidaymakers. When asked, “How was your stay?” they always respond, “Your people are wonderful. That’s what touched us — the warmth of the Kenyan people.” I have seen tears in their eyes when they talk about it.
Kenya Tourist Board once had an ad campaign called “Jambo Kenya,” and it was about the people. That is Kenya, first and foremost — not our beaches, not our wildlife. If we harness the natural hospitality that is a part and parcel of our Kenyan culture, the guests will keep coming back.
