Changes in UK army training hit Nanyuki's hospitality industry

Sportsman Arms Hotel. The decision by the British Government to provide in-house facilities and restrict movement of the army trainees into Nanyuki Town has dealt a blow to the hospitality industry in the town. [PHOTOS: COURTESY]

NANYUKI: No other town in Kenya mimics the way of life of Nairobi’s leafy suburbs of Karen and Gigiri as Nanyuki. It is not unusual to bump into 6 foot Caucasian with half of his hands covered in tattoo shopping at Nanyuki Mall.

The unique mix of the big-spending expatriate and a business-savvy local community has led to the rapid growth of the town, which boasts mature residential and commercial developments that have made it the pride of Laikipia County, which hosts its County Government offices on the town. Nanyuki Mall was among the first malls in the Mount Kenya region.