Business mogul Humphrey Kariuki in 2015 acquired the Fairmont Mt. Kenya Safari Club, one of the country’s most storied luxury hotels.
It was a proud moment for Kariuki, whose success in business started in the world of hospitality with Green Corner Restaurant. In the 90’s, the restaurant was popular with Nairobians working in and around the Central Business District (CBD).
Kariuki built on the success of Green Corner with major forays into alcohol distribution and manufacturing as well as energy – building companies including Wines of the World (WOW Beverages) , Dalbit Petroleum, Bluemoon vodka makers Africa Spirits Limited and Great Lakes Africa Energy.
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The Fairmont has played host to various high-profile guests over the course of its existence, from celebrities to world leaders. Sitting on over 100 acres in Nanyuki, the Fairmont includes 57 luxurious hotel rooms, 29 suites, 2 villas and 12 cottages.
It costs around Ksh50,000 to spend a night at the hotel, which promises great views of Mt. Kenya.
Recreational activities available at the hotel include horseback riding, golf, croquet, a bowling green, table tennis and swimming. The hotel also plays host to an animal orphanage.
President William Ruto’s administration has also used it as a venue for government retreats.
In January 2023, Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua led a retreat at the hotel featuring cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries and other senior government officials to evaluate his administration’s performance since he was elected in September last year.
Kariuki was among backers of Ruto’s stab at the Presidency in the 2022 General elections. Following Ruto’s election, he has seen his Africa Spirits plant in Thika reopened after a years-long closure over tax claims.
He was also appointed by Ruto to the National Investment Council, alongside other private sector luminaries.
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