Multi-Billion Hotels Owned by Kenya's Elite Politicians [LIST]

A photo collage of the Voyager Resort in Mombasa County (left) and the Lord Errol Restaurant in Runda, Nairobi County.
A photo collage of the Voyager Resort in Mombasa County (left) and the Lord Errol Restaurant in Runda, Nairobi County.
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Voyager / Lord Erroll

Regarding luxury accommodation in Kenya, it is no secret that Kenya's political class leads from the frontline, having invested millions in reclusive hotels and opulent lodges. 

Kenyans.co.ke looks at the multi-billion hotels owned by Kenya's one per cent.

Raphael Tuju

The former Cabinet Secretary reportedly funded Dari Restaurant in Karen, Nairobi, via a loan borrowed from a local bank. 

A view of the Dari Restaurant in Karen, Nairobi County.
A view of the Dari Restaurant in Karen, Nairobi County.
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Dari Restaurant

The hotel has, over the years, maintained an eco-park theme while accommodating conferences and official events. 

Established in 2013, the posh restaurant sits on seven acres surrounded by tall old trees and shrubs. The garden is also ideal for picnics and private ceremonies. 

At the time of publishing this article, the hotel risked auction in a bid to raise funds to offset a Ksh1.2 billion debt borrowed in 2015.

Uhuru Kenyatta

The Kenyatta family is renowned for its immense wealth and investments. This spans various sectors, from banking, hospitality, and real estate to agriculture.

Among the properties owned by the Kenyatta family include Heritage Hotel East Africa - hailed among the country's leading safari companies with over three decades of experience.

The company owns seven hotels, including Mara Explorer Camp, Kipungani Explorer in Lamu Island, Voyager Resort in Mombasa and Voyager Ziwani Camp in Tsavo.

Intrepids in Samburu and Maasai Mara and the Great Rift Valley Lodge in Naivasha are also part of the Heritage brand.

The company is hailed for offering premier-class services while maintaining good relations with neighbouring communities and international partners.

Weston Hotel located along Langata road in Nairobi
Weston Hotel located along Langata road in Nairobi
Daily Nation

William Ruto

Former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i disclosed several properties Ruto owned while appearing before the National Assembly departmental committee in September 2021. 

Among the properties listed included Weston Hotel in Nairobi County, Kitengela Gas Company, Murumbi Farm in Transmara (395 Hectares), ADC Laikipia Mutara Ranch, Dolphin Hotel in Mombasa (3 Hectares) and Mata Farm in Taita Taveta (1,026 Hectares).

Another restaurant listed is Dolphin Hotel, located in Shanzu, Mombasa County. The three-storey building, painted white, sits on a 10-acre parcel of land. It is estimated to possess over 600 guest rooms.

Alfred Mutua

During his grilling by the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments in October 2022, Foreign Affairs CS Alfred Mutua stated that he was worth Ksh420 million. One of his key establishments is A&L Hotel in Machakos.

Some of the features of the posh hotel include a high-ceiling dining area, outdoor eating area, large swimming pool and accommodation suits.

The hotel's name was a combination of Alfred and his former partner, Lilian Ng'ang'a. In a past interview, Mutua affirmed that he would not change the name since relationships and business do not correlate.

The entrance to Lord Erroll restaurant in Runda, Nairobi County.
The entrance to Lord Erroll restaurant in Runda, Nairobi County.
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Lord Erroll

Gideon Moi 

Ranked among the top facilities in the hospitality sector locally, Lord Erroll restaurant in Runda, Nairobi, has scooped both local and international awards. 

Established in 1997, the premier French and gourmet restaurant in East Africa offers an exquisite variety of cuisine. 

The restaurant comprises multiple dining rooms that can accommodate groups of 6-100 for events such as weddings, meetings, and conferences. 

Gideon Moi reportedly purchased the restaurant in February 2013.