By County Splash Reporter
The President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Dr Erick Ruto, and the National Chairman of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Rev William Owuya, have visited several hotels in Kakamega and Vihiga counties to personally acknowledge the hard work and dedication of hotel staff and recognize the loyalty of their clients.
During their visit, they took the opportunity to appreciate the efforts of the local businesses in providing quality services and supporting the growth of the tourism and hospitality sectors in the region.
The duo took the opportunity to appreciate the hardworking staff and loyal clients at a variety of local hotels, creating an atmosphere of warmth and encouragement. The hotels they visited included Skyz 9 Hotel, Shieywe Hotel, Kakamega Guest House, Roddy’s Green Lounge, and Unico Resort.
Dr Ruto used the occasion to call on both the national and county governments to prioritize the clearance of pending bills, which he believes would significantly ease the financial burden on many businesses within the hospitality industry.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring timely payments to help hotels and other businesses maintain smooth operations.
“It is crucial that both the national and county governments prioritize the clearance of pending bills. Delays in payments create unnecessary financial strain on businesses and hinder growth within key sectors like tourism and hospitality,” said Dr Ruto
“It’s high time we acted on the backlog of unpaid bills. Clearing them will enable businesses to focus on growth and innovation rather than struggling with financial constraints,” he added
Rev Owuya on the other hand called on hotel investors to prioritize capacity building for their staff.
As a leading advocate for the growth and development of the sector, he emphasized that the success of the hospitality industry depends not only on infrastructural investments but also on the development of human resources.
He acknowledged the investments that hotel investors had made in building state-of-the-art facilities, offering tourists world-class accommodations, and showcasing the country’s natural beauty.
However, he pointed out that all of these efforts could be undermined if the people who run these establishments were not properly trained and empowered.
“Hotel investors must recognize that the workforce is just as important as the buildings they invest in. People are the heart of the hospitality industry,” he said.
Owuya stressed the importance of investing in continuous training programs for staff, ranging from housekeeping and front desk personnel to managers and chefs.
“ By ensuring that employees possess both the technical skills and soft skills required to serve guests with excellence, hotel owners could create an environment that not only attracts more visitors but also guarantees repeat business,” said Rev Owuya
He explained that in a sector where competition was fierce, customer satisfaction could make or break a business. By fostering a culture of professionalism and continuous learning, hotels would be better positioned to anticipate and meet the evolving needs of their guests.
The President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) – (in specs) with Vihiga Deputy Governor Wilberforce Kitiezo – Photo/Courtesy
“When employees are trained and empowered, they become more motivated to provide exceptional service, ensuring that tourists leave with positive experiences that they will share with others,” Owuya noted.
In addition to the quality of service, Owuya also touched upon how capacity building could lead to overall growth for the hospitality sector. “Skilled employees are not only more effective in their roles but are also likely to stay longer in their positions, which reduces turnover rates and boosts the morale of the entire team,”
Moreover, when staff members are given opportunities for personal and professional growth,
