By Jacktone Omondi
Kisumu opened its doors to the newest hotel located in the middle of the town’s Central Business District (CBD) at Garissa lodge market. the Mirage Palace hotel joins the hospitality industry that has opened a midst the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 1,500 bed-capacity hotel was officially opened by the Governor for Kisumu County Hon. Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyongó alongside the CEC member for Tourism, sport, arts and culture Madam Achie Alai.
Despite the bleak scenario and the continuing pandemic, the official opening of the hotel portrays a bright spot with the occupancy rate in Kenyan hotels is currently at 18 percent, registering a decrease from 27 percent in March. However, there is a dearth of new Hope in the market potential given the economy of Kisumu and according to Madam Alai, in all likelihood, the country is working towards the remedy for coronavirus which means the industry is determined to recover.
The governor was impressed with the new technology used to run the hotel, more so the restaurant and the conference halls. The restaurant holds a capacity of 100 people. The new technology allows the customer to place an order at the comfort of their seats by just tapping on an electric bell on the table. The bell is set to signal the cashier to take the place the order. This technology is set to greatly reduce congestion, movements and touching hence reducing the spread of covid-19 and also germs. The conference hall provides remote-controlled projectors that automatically project itself on the wall.
Governor Nyong’o commended the Hotel for the strong internet service stating that there is a need for many such hotels to boost the tourism industry as Kisumu looks forward to hosting many conferences including the upcoming investment conference in November his year and the Africities conference scheduled to take place early next year. He also called on the Hotels in Kisumu to observe Covid-19 control measures and also ensuring full vaccination of all workers in the industry.
The Governor acknowledged the brain behind the architectural design and construction of the hotel noting that the investment will better place Kisumu in the global spotlight for great opportunities when it comes to culture, arts, talents and social status. And also boosting the economy of the County.
Present was the Managing Director Titus Ogal, area MCA Seth Kanga, Members of the Islamic community chaired by Farah Hirsith and various officials from the county government of Kisumu
