Wednesday July 11, 2018, Kitui. By Mark Musyoki
The Kitui County Tourism Minister Patrick Koki Musau (middle) introduces H. E. Hon. Raila Odinga to the Miss Culture and Miss Kitui County peageants when the former Prime Minister arrived to open the Kitui Villa Hotel in Ngiini Village Kitui Central. Looking on is the Kitui Deputy Governor Dr. Wathe Nzau(second left)
Kitui County witnessed a landmark event yesterday, as key NASA dignitaries flew into town to grace the official opening of Kitui Villa; a five star hotel facility owned by the renown US-based Professor Makau.
The world-class hotel was officially opened by His Excellency the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga and his wife Ida Odinga, who were hosted by the Kitui County governor H. E. Charity Ngilu, and graced by H. E. Kalonzo Musyoka. Other revered guests included the Makueni Governor H. E. Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, Hon. Wavinya Ndeti, the former Kitui Women rep and veteran lady politician Hon. Nyiva Mwendwa, the MP Kitui Central Hon. Dr. Makali Mulu, the Kitui Township Ward MCA Hon. Ndoo, various members of the Kitui county executive, members of the Kitui County Assembly, renown US-based Professor Kyang’aa Mweti, the County Commissioner Mr. Kimiti, and respectable dignitaries from both National and County governments.
The event had been organized by the county ministry of tourism, culture, sports, gender and social affairs, through the county government, and the hotel management, in line with H.E. Charity Ngilu’s big five manifesto.
Speaking at the event, governor Ngilu thanked the proprietor Professor Makau for choosing to invest such a colossal project in his rural home, despite living in diaspora with his family. She complimented Prof Makau for the tireless support he has continued offering the county and Kenya as whole in development. She urged others living in diaspora to follow Professor Makau’s example and invest more in their rural areas.
H. E. Charity Ngilu, flagged on both sides by Professor Makau and his wife,and her convoy, make a grand entry at the Kitui Villa Hotel opening ceremony yesterday.
“If those living and working also invest in such projects in our county, we shall not only be creating jobs for our locals at home, but leaving a legacy that will turn Kitui County into an ideal tourism hub for locals and abroad,” said Ngilu. “Speaking literary, Professor has brought New York to Kitui.”
Governor Ngilu promised to ensure the tarmacking of the access road to the hotel, in a bid to make the hotel fully accessible at all times.
“The World Bank pledged 5 billion shillings grant if we make Kitui a municipality, “she continued, “Gratefully, the County Assembly quickly passed the bill, and thanks to the grant this tarmacking will be achieved. ”
In his speech, H. E. Kalonzo Musyoka praised devolution for making it possible for such developments to happen at the village level. He also praised the deep relationship ties Professor Makau has fostered, that made it possible to congregate such powerful dignitaries at the little-known Ngiini Village of Kitui Central. Kalonzo also called for unity among the leaders, terming it as the most essential ingredient for meaningful development.
The chief guest H.E. the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga could not hide his joy for attending the event. He praised Professor Makau for the major role he played in Kenya’s decentralization of power. Raila termed Prof’s establishment of such a high-end hotel in his rural home as the fruits of his hard-fought battles for devolution.
“I have known Professor Makau for years, but he never ceases to awe me with his desire for grassroots development!” exclaimed H.E. Raila Odinga, “There’s no other place I’d rather be right now, than here with you cutting the ribbon and officially opening the Kitui Villa Hotel.”
The CECM ministry of Tourism, Sports, Culture, Gender and Social Services Patrick Koki Musau, in an interview after the event; described the event as a major milestone in the journey of making Kitui a popular tourist destination.
H. E. Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga shakes hands with the CECM tourism Patrick Musau when he arrived to open the magnificent Kitui Villa. Looking on is the Deputy Governor Dr.. Wathe Nzau, and the Kitui Township ward representative Hon. Ndoo
“The Kitui Villa Hotel has put Kitui County in the front line as a competitor for tourism and hospitality,” quiped the minister, populary known as Kuvasila. “On behalf of the county government, through my ministry, I thank Professor Makau in a special way for putting the interests of tourism development in the county forward.”
The Kitui Villa Hotel is a 5-star hospitality facility located about three kilometers from Kalundu Market in Kitui Town. It boast state-of-art conference facilities, international and local cuisines, silk-clad ensuite hotel rooms, excellent manicured lawns, imperial gardens, texan-themed oak-pannelled whiskey and sports bar, a heated indoor swimming pool, a fully equiped children play ground, not to mention the excellent five-star reception and service by the friendly staff; most of them recruited and trained locals.
For reservations and bookings, contact the Operations Manager:
Mr. Vincent Musebe Akala,
Kitui Villa Limited,
P. O. Box 1334-90200
Cell: 0700552898/ 0788202336
Landline: 0207859447
Kitui Newspaper 