Kempinski unveils new general manager

Luxury five-star hotel Villa Rosa Kempinski has unveiled a new general manager as it gears up for Kenya’s electioneering period, which is expected to affect the hospitality industry.

The hotel, which in recent times has hosted leading world celebrities and political leaders including outgoing US President Barrack Obama, will now be captained by Dutch national Kees Heuveling.

Mr Heuveling will replace Manish Mambiar, who now heads to Ghana to take charge of the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast, Accra.

“I know I have just arrived when the political mood is high and I hear sometimes this is not a good time for tourism and the hospitality industry in Kenya. Through prudent management of the situation, however, our revenues will not be affected,” he said.

Kempinski has established itself as a major player in the local hospitality industry despite big international brands also pitching tent in the country.

-Lee Mwiti