Closure of iconic hotel looms over scouts' site

As Nyeri County hosts its first World Scout Parliamentary Union (WSPU) conference this week, a dark cloud hangs over the legacy of scouting founder Lord Baden Powell's PAXTU cottage located inside the Outspan Hotel compound.

The fate of the gazetted site remains tied to the future of the hotel, which was closed in 2021, and the tourist attraction remains a lone reminder of the dwindling fortunes of the hospitality industry in Nyeri.

As the home of the scouting movement, Nyeri town holds a unique place in the world of scouting as it hosts the PAXTU, the second home of Lord Baden Powel, and his grave at the Baden Powell grounds.

The WSPU delegation, which includes members drawn from African countries, selects delegations from countries such as South Korea, which holds the WSPU presidency, as well as Thailand and other world bodies.

As WSPU Vice-President and Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie led a delegation to Outspan Hotel, they were met by a sign indicating that while the hotel is closed, the PAXTU site can be visited by making arrangements with the scouting office.

The Outspan Hotel was put up for sale in 2021 for Sh550 million by property realtor Knight Frank after months of closure, leaving hoteliers and residents staring at a bleak future for the hospitality industry in Mt Kenya region.

The 120-acre property, known for its well-manicured lawns, colourful peacocks gliding around the compound, and colonial-style architecture, had been a mainstay of Nyeri town since it was built in 1927.

But during the WSPU visit, the hotel remained eerily quiet, with signs the overgrown grass had been hurriedly trimmed for the guests. A family of peacocks that once lazily strolled across the lawns were conspicuously missing, with the PAXTU cottage the only room opened for the guests.

International Scouts Association board member Anthony Kitonga confirmed that PAXTU was safe because it had been gazetted as a national heritage site. "I understand the hotel has been closed, but the scouting office has maintained a good relationship with the proprietor so that we can allow our visitors who would like to visit the site access," he said.

He declined to comment on any interests the association may have in acquiring the facility.

The hotel, owned by Aberdare Safari Hotels, is also keen to engage equity investors," Knight Frank noted in a brochure.