Western Kenya hotels record high bookings

Hotels in western Kenya have registered a 20 per cent increase in bookings for Easter mainly, due to Kenyans who have avoided Nairobi and Mombasa for fear of terrorism.

Western Kenya Hospitality Leaders Association chairman Robbinson Anyal said many people were moving from big cities like Mombasa and Nairobi to Kisumu which they considered more secure.

“The bookings are averagely above 60 per cent as compared to last year which was 40 per cent,” said Mr Anyal.

He said the industry had been dealt a blow by fears of election chaos last year.

Kisumu County’s health director Ojwang Lusy is one of those who have shunned the Coast.

He told the Nation that he always went to Mombasa for Easter but this year he decided to visit his rural home as he was not sure of his security.

“The country is struggling with terrorism. If it was my wish we could have pushed the celebration to a time when there is peace,” he said.

Besides the terrorism damper, this year saw a lull in Easter celebrations due to tough economic times.

Many families attended church before going to entertainment sports.

Places such as beaches, the sports ground, the Impala Park and shopping malls in Kisumu were filled up.

Mr Paul Ogelo, a Kisumu resident, said he had a more affordable way of marking Easter – going to church.

He said church is the only place many can assemble to give thanks to God despite the hard times.

“We are hoping that his resurrection gives life new meaning and encouragement to start a fresh no matter the circumstances,” said the father of three.

Mr Ogelo said in the previous years, he would have travelled with his family to spend the holiday outside his county.

“I cannot risk travelling because the money I will be spending will be required to cater for my children’s school fees come next term,” he said.

Normally on Easter eve, they would converge at one point for a celebration to observe the resurrection of Jesus, he said.

“I have not heard of such arrangements from any of my friends. Everyone is complaining of financial hardship.”

The celebrations were also dimmed by the night travel restriction that has limited movement.

Ms Alice Akoth, for example, did not think of booking to spend the Easter holiday with her friends in Nairobi.

They had agreed to meet and celebrate together in the city.

“To my shock, Easy Coach bus is fully booked until next week and I cannot afford air fare which is an alternative to get to Nairobi. I have thus cancelled my journey,” she said.

The company had buses from Nairobi to western Kenya but they were all fully booked, according to a receptionist at the company’s Kisumu office.

Spend time

She added: “Most of the people are reported to be travelling to rural homes to spend time with their families unlike in the past when people would head to big cities,”

Parents were now securing spaces for their children who will be reporting back to school in a few weeks.

Matatu owners are reaping high from the festivities by increasing the fare.

At the Kisumu bus station, most of the passenger vehicles increased fare to different destinations.

The fares for a trip from Kisumu to Nairobi by shuttles have increased from Sh1,000 to Sh1,500, while to Nakuru they are charging Sh1,000 from Sh600.