Hotel chain Sarova Woodlands took over management of Kisumu’s Imperial hotel, after having entered into a 7-year agreement with the Gilani Family, the owners of the facility. 

This will bring Sarova’s number of operating hotels countrywide to 8, with the 93–bed hotel having been renamed Sarova Imperial Kisumu. 

Other hotels by Sarova include; Sarova Stanley and Sarova Panafric in Nairobi, Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort in Mombasa, Sarova Woodlands, and Sarova Lion Hill in Nakuru City. 

Sarova Hotels Group Managing Director Jimi Kariuki said that having a presence in Kisumu City and in the larger Western Kenya region has always been part of the hospitality group’s growth plan.

“The city’s location on the shores of Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria, and the ongoing modernization of the lakefront make Kisumu a unique destination to add to the Sarova experience. Kisumu is fast becoming an attractive destination to visit, not only by business travelers but also by tourists, mainly domestic tourists.

Sarova Hotels Group Managing Director, Jimi Kariuki (front left) and Munira Gilani (front right), exchange signed copies of the management agreement that will see Sarova Hotels managing the Kisumu-based property as Sarova Imperial Hotel. Joining the two executives to commemorate the new partnership are (from back left to right) the Chairman Sarova Hotels, Hon. John Ngata Kariuki, Chairman Imperial Hotel Amin Gilani, Dr. Fatimah Gilani, and Director Sarova Hotels, Saveer Singh Vohra.

Located in Kisumu’s Central Business District, Sarova Imperial Hotel is currently undergoing an upgrade that once complete in July/August 2022 will see the launch of 93 renovated guest bedrooms including suites, new meeting facilities, and upgraded food and beverage outlets.

“In 1983, Imperial Hotel was built with the vision to establish a Western Kenya tourism circuit. However, we realize that we are in a global era in which professionalization and collaboration are crucial to success and meeting our vision. After operating the hotel for 40 years, Sarova Hotels is the ideal partner for further growth due to their industry leadership, rich history, and deep respect for community, tradition, and sustainability,” Imperial Hotel Chairman Amin Gilani.


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Community Engagement Editor, connecting audiences with news and promoting diverse voices. He also consults for East African brands on digital strategy.

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