The hospitality industry in Taita Taveta County is set for a transformative shift following an intensive leadership workshop held on Monday at Afrika Lodges in Voi.
The event, attended by over 40 hotel directors, general managers, and hospitality stakeholders, centered on strategies to improve the region’s tourism sector, with a strong call for unity among hoteliers and the need for embracing digital technologies to attract more visitors.
Enock Makanga, the Group Managing Director for Victory Global Impact Africa, emphasized the critical need for Taita Taveta’s hospitality players to modernize their operations.
He noted that many hotels still operate with outdated techniques, lagging behind the industry standards embraced by competitors in other regions.
His company, which specializes in event management and leadership training, has been conducting workshops across the country, empowering hoteliers with new skills to navigate an increasingly digitized market.
“So far, we have held similar workshops in Diani, Kisumu, and Mombasa, and today we are pleased to bring the same expertise to Taita Taveta. The hospitality industry is evolving, and if we don’t embrace modern techniques, we risk losing our guests to more advanced destinations. This is particularly important for Taita Taveta, given its strategic location between Nairobi and Mombasa,” said Makanga.
During the workshop, hotel owners and managers were introduced to new operational techniques, particularly in the area of digital technology.
From managing guest bookings to monitoring hotel operations remotely, the training covered a wide range of digital solutions that can boost efficiency and improve customer experiences.
“Technology has transformed how the hospitality industry works. From the moment a guest books a room to the time they check out, everything can be streamlined through digital systems. Hotel owners can now monitor what’s happening in every department be it housekeeping, front office, or food services, directly from their phones. This kind of efficiency is what will set Taita Taveta hotels apart from the competition,” explained Makanga.
Beyond operational improvements, He stressed the importance of unity among hoteliers in the county.
He urged the creation of an association of hotel owners and managers, which would allow the sector to speak with one voice when addressing challenges, finding solutions, and advocating for support from the county and national governments.
“If we come together, we can market ourselves better and address common issues. When small hotels try to do this alone, it’s hard to get attention from national stakeholders. But as a unified team, our voice will be louder, and we will be able to push for better facilities, better marketing, and ultimately more guests,” he noted
Philemon Wachara, General Manager of Afrika Lodges, echoed these sentiments highlighting the importance of working as a team to raise the profile of Taita Taveta’s hotels.
He noted that the local market has shown low interest in the region’s hospitality offerings stating, “We’ve observed that many local tourists overlook our facilities, and this needs to change. As a team, we can market ourselves more effectively. This will benefit all of us, from the large hotels to the smaller establishments. We need to come together as an association and find solutions to our shared challenges,” said Wachara.
Daisy Awuor, another hospitality stakeholder, pointed out the effects of climate change on tourism, particularly in terms of wildlife migration.
She called for hoteliers to take an active role in environmental conservation efforts, such as tree planting and reducing litter in the parks.
“Wildlife is one of our key attractions, but with changing climates, many animals migrate during the dry seasons, leaving guests disappointed during game drives,” Awuor said, adding, “By conserving the environment and planting more trees, we can improve the climate and provide a better experience for our guests. It’s up to all of us to ensure that our natural resources are protected.”
On her part, the Taita Taveta County CEC for Trade and Tourism, Getrude Shuwe, acknowledged the vital role that hotels play in supporting major county events.
Shuwe highlighted the upcoming Jumuiya ya County za Pwani Investment Conference and the Kenya National Music and Cultural Festival, stressing that the county would rely on local hotels to provide accommodation for the influx of visitors.
“As we prepare for these major events, we are counting on our hotels to accommodate the guests,” Shuwe said.
The CEC further stated that, “The hospitality sector is essential, and we are working closely with stakeholders to ensure we are prepared. We are also in the process of developing a County Tourism Policy to guide future legislation in this sector. This will ensure that tourism in Taita Taveta continues to grow, despite budget constraints.”
While tourism remains a significant driver of economic growth, Shuwe pointed out that the county government does not benefit directly from hotel revenues, as most of the income from the tourism sector goes to the national government.
However, she assured hoteliers that the county would continue to support their efforts by improving infrastructure, maintaining security, and ensuring cleanliness in key tourist areas.
Despite the challenges, hoteliers expressed confidence that by working together, they could transform Taita Taveta into a premier tourist destination through a unified approach, the adoption of digital tools, and a commitment to sustainability.
