From matatu tout to serving five-star customers

George Sakwa Nato, Kempinski concierge

Nairobi; Kenya: Nothing in George Nato’s bubbly frame suggests a previous career in the chaotic matatu industry. Donning spotless hotel uniform, Nato is the chief concierge at Villa Rosa Kempinski. Last month, he was awarded Les Clefs d’Or status (he’s only the second in the country to receive this award) during the Golden Keys ceremony at the hotel, having served as the vice-chairperson of the Kenyan Chapter of the Concierge Society. In France, a concierge is a caretaker of an apartment complex or a small hotel, who lives on the premises.

Les Clefs d’Or is an association of concierges from all over the world that is based on friendship between members and their experience in assisting international travellers.