2. 2
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard
seed, which a man took and sowed in his field ,
which indeed is the least of all seeds but when
it is grown it is greater than the herbs and
becomes a tree so that the birds of the air come
and lodge on its branches.
Gospel of Mattew 13:31-32
4. 4
Introduction
Eldoret was for many years a farming town and many
enterprises today are still farming related. What was
once just a sleepy backwater town in an upcountry
farming community that never hit the headlines other
than on matters pertaining to food is today as we
speak, the capital and largest town in Uasin Gishu
County with a rapidly increasing population which is
currently the fastest growing town in Kenya. It is also
the 2nd
largest urban centre in mid-western Kenya
closely behind Nakuru and presently the 5th largest
urban centre countrywide and is experiencing a
property boom. Registering growth rates of almost 8%,
three times the national average the demand for rental houses and commercial space for short-stay
accommodation, hotels, lecture halls and bank branches, as well as retail space has been on the rise.
Home of Champions
The new source of wealth has largely been attributed
to the power packed limbs of its famed long-distance
runners. The changing skyline shows the continuing
investment of runners in commercial real estate with
large sums of prize money being invested in the area;
the town is prospering and is now the heart of a
number of financial empires. The town’s population is
growing so fast and demand for various services as well
is going up with the key thing being buildings to house
various businesses, accommodation and many others.
This is owed largely to the Trans-African highway which
passes through the town alongside the Kenya-Uganda
railway. The Eldoret International Airport is another crucial factor and the Uasin Gishu, Nandi and
Elgeyo/Marakwet county leaders are strategizing on how to exploit their proximity to the airport to grow
agriculture, trade and more importantly, the tourism sector. The Elgeyo/Marakwet Governor His Execellency
Mr.Alex Tolgos has revealed that they would also look into building up sports tourism. This will also be a vital
investment for Eldoret owing to its setting as an ideal training ground for many middle and long distance
athletes. As the location to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)'s High Altitude
Training Center for Kenyan and international athletes, athletic success has been good for the town and its
people. Eldoret is indeed the town of legends with a unique tourism potential for visitors and tourists who
would like to experience and enjoy life in the ‘Home of Champions’.
5. 5
According to Mr. Ishmael Chelanga, the North Rift Deputy
Regional Tourism Officer, tour operators are drivers of the
economy as they bring in visitors to stay in the town’s
hotels. There was only one tour operator back in 2009 but
today there are more than 15 who have played an
important role in bringing in visitors. He also confirmed
that the bed capacity in the region was below its potential
and therefore there is more need for more people to
invest in the hospitality industry. The region has 3840
beds compared to a potential of 5000 he said. The
Ministry of Tourism has in addition to this introduced
home-stays and several homes have already been
approved for the exercise he also noted. He added that the government was encouraging the formation of
tourism associations to help bring in more tourists noting that the region is a good destination. The Ministry of
Tourism is also supporting homestays which can provide accommodation to a few paying guests. Now that the
high demand for accommodation in the town has sharpened the appetite among investors in the hospitality
industry, a number of situations are coming up exponentially in Eldoret to cash in on the rising number of
visitors to the North Rift Region as it is expanding which has created the need for more hotels. Based further
on our experience and ongoing research, tourism is currently the largest and fastest growing industry in the
world and has remained one of the leading sectors that has propelled the Kenyan economy into greater
heights of development. In the immediate past years, the country has witnessed tremendous growth in terms
of international and domestic tourist arrivals as well as foreign exchange earnings.
With travel trends becoming more about experiential
holidays, Kenya stands a better chance of reaping from
the enthusiastic travelers seeking to touch and enjoy the
warmth of rural community lifestyles in the simplest of
pleasures, like sharing in the traditional fresh foods,
cultures and language. That is why we believe that the
property we are residing in has an special potential that if
well exploited can see it become a real traveler’s haven
right here in the border farm fringes of Kapsoya Estate.
Many independent or budget travelers also know as backpackers who are generally individualized find this
kind of arrangement most appealing. Not only does it enhance the sensation by offering them more freedom
to feel at home. It subsequently works more to their budgetary advantage for most backpacking tourists
prefer to invest in the experience other than exorbitant accommodation.
6. 6
The Homestay Model
Now that the government has officially launched the ‘Homestays’
concept; Kenya’s tourism offerings are shifting progressively from the
traditional high cost hotel or lodge, white beach and game drive
experience to the warmth of a domesticated, cozy and personalized
environment. The idea was driven by the need to raise bed capacity
from 40,000 to about 65,000 by 2012, as envisaged under the Vision
2030. These Homestays will provide pocket friendly and secure
accommodation options for today’s adventure seeking tourists.
Adventure tourism is a niche tourism involving exploration or travel
to remote areas and has become increasingly popular globally as
tourists seek unusual holidays, different from the typical beach
vacation. The Homestay concept will not only bridge the gap of
quality as envisaged in the Vision 2030 blueprint, but it will also provide a greater chance for visitors to
immerse themselves into the rich and diverse cultural exchange, and catalyze the rural economy. This unique
hospitality concept will help diversify tourism products, as well as equip tourists with the knowledge of the
hosts’ way of life such as their cuisine agricultural system, folk arts and crafts including sports.
BoBi’s Nest
BoBi’s Nest is an idea that was inspired
by our desire to offer refreshing,
affordable and secure accommodation
for today’s enlightened tourists and
travelers who are seeking a cultural
experience that is spiritually nourishing.
In contrast to our previous lodging we
have now opted to pursue a more or less
similar venture that is a mélange of
entrepreneurship and ministry. We are sold to love as God’s servants and called to serve as stewards in His
work. Our mission is to have a ‘GOoD’ influence as His ambassadors on all who we engage with while
offering the most impactful cultural experience for our guests. Our plan is to provide a ‘GOoD’ environment
that guests can call a blessed home, a place where they can stay, play and pray so to say. We also intend to
give a new approach to the hospitality sector by providing quality services integrated with a higher level of
moral standards based on Christian principles. Our vision is to be an establishment that is full of ‘GOoDness’
and wholly committed to the advancement of God’s Kingdom within as well as through the hospitality
industry. That is why we are welcoming the new trends and developments in the travel industry as a chance to
respond to the growing demand for something different and authentic.
7. 7
BoBi’s Nest Floor Plan
This is a depiction of what our set-up will look like to begin with. As was the case in our previous arrangement,
we will maintain the Master bedroom and create accommodation for guests in the extra room. Unlike the
former case, where we had five rooms to work with, we are obliged to settle for the two rooms for now. In the
next page there is an illustration of what the entire compound looks like and what we suggest as far as our
prospects extend. The idea as we envisage it is to try and do more with less. Our objective is therefore not to
concentrate solely on quantity where more rooms would have sufficed but to go for more quality that visitors
will value and recommend. That way we can work on building a good reputation with our guests and gradually
build things from there.
The guest room we are working with is spacious enough to accommodate at least two-three guests. It is
suitable as a single or a double room. The living room has ample space to host up to a dozen seated
comfortably which makes it ideal for small get-togethers and gatherings, it even has enough space to for two
to sleep in. The verandah, where the studio is installed, can also be vacated and furnished to accommodate an
extra guest when it’s not in commission. The other parts of the house i.e. kitchen, shower and toilet, will
definitely remain communal as is usually the case.
As things advance advantageously, the other tenancies, as indicated in the following pages, can be eventually
availed and converted into guest houses to put up more people.
8. 8
Compound Layout
Interim
This layout entails what the most essential arrangement will look like without interfering with the current
residents. The one profitable suggestion is to design a camping area for travelers who prefer to use their tents
instead of lodging indoors. The idea did sound a little eccentric when we first came across it but it is actually a
very popular trend among many overland tourists and adventurers who crisscross countries in their
recreational vehicles and care very little for comfort. With time, depending on how things progress the entire
compound including the reserved tenancies can be refurbished and transformed into housing to that will
provide more lodging facilities which will work ideally for long term guests who are stationed in the region for
longer durations.
9. 9
Future
This rendition depicts how the most ideal plan will look like prospectively if the entire compound is
overhauled to accommodate more guests. The cooking and dining areas can be designed like gazebos.
These can be set up in a way that water in the showers and washrooms can be heated simultaneously
as meals are being prepared in the kitchens’ kilns/ovens and piped to the tanks to supply heated water
regularly. As we advance we can also install solar panels as a substitute for coal. The clearings around
the houses can be reserved for parking that can has the capacity for at least three vehicles particularly
for those who intend to stay for longer durations and need parking space. The car port can also be
shared with the other guests who are campers especially if they are overland travelers. The Camping
area complete with a dining bench should be able to host up to four two-man tents.
10. 10
Our Conclusion
According to the Kenya Tourism Board, the North Rift
remains unknown, untouched and unexploited. Yet the
Rift Valley as a whole has the greatest concentration of
flora and fauna of any area of similar size in the world.
It is a region of rugged terrain, spectacular landforms,
great differences in altitude and climate and a wide
variety of peoples and cultures. This is the place for
those who wish to get off the beaten track and have a
memorable experience. The Ministry of Tourism
likewise, also acknowledges that tourism in the North
Rift is slowly but surely attracting a lot of attention
from both investors and tourists due to its” virgin” tourism products. Being an important national sector that
has the potential of improving economic wellbeing of the residents of North Rift, the Government is now
supporting real efforts that will unlock tourism potentials in the region. So whether it is product based or
service driven, this is a wonderful opportunity to share Kenya’s diversity and at the same time learn about
others in our exchanges.
As homestay hosts, we have a special duty as a cultural
ambassadors in providing a memorable Kenyan
experience to visitors from other countries. This exposure
to our way of life will make the tourists’ visit more
meaningful as they assume more active roles within the
families and local communities that welcome them. As
guides we have the opportunity to share the many
attractions that our suburb, town and surroundings have
to offer. This homestay will give us a real chance to start
afresh and help our local community by hosting tourists in our own town. We may actually be pleasantly
surprised at what is on offer on our own doorstep. As experience has taught us before, our guests always tend
to notice things around us that we have often taken for granted. That is why we are reaching out to you not
just because of what we have in mind but what we can build with your hand. We therefore invite you to
become our close partner and to also share your resources, ideas and experiences. Whatever you can do on
your part to make this a success no matter how small is always welcome. We could most certainly use all the
support available after all we are all “Birds of a Father” in God’s Kingdom. So let us flock together from near
and far in word and in work as we pray to our Father that…
Thy Kingdom come and thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Gospel of Matthew 6:10
