Ufanisi Resort, a 4-star hotel located along Nyakongo-Masosa road in Kisii, is an oasis of tranquility, blending with nature while providing top-notch hospitality.
The driving force behind this remarkable establishment is Isabel Lumumba, a graduate teacher turned entrepreneur.
She co-owns the resort with her husband, Patrick Lumumba, a former head of public service at Kisii County.
Ufanisi Resort was born when the couple returned from Kenya from the USA where they had gone in search of a better life.
However, the culture shock and unfamiliar life became too challenging for them and they had to return to Kenya.
They started the hotel on a three-acre ancestral piece of land, which was formerly a maize plantation.
At first, the land was cleared for a car park, then came other investment ideas like rentals and later the resort, which was launched in 2009.
Initially, they started with a 16-bed capacity facility, renovating part of their house to get enough space. Today, Ufanisi Resort has a 60-bed capacity.
Isabel Lumumba’s motivation to venture into the hospitality industry stemmed from her desire to create a place that embraces the outdoors, offering fresh air and ample space for children to play.
“Kisii town 9 years ago was not as vibrant as it is today. I spotted the need to come up with a modern hotel set within a natural environment. The business is coming out very well,” she said in an interview.
The hotel’s serene grounds, swimming pool, and gardens are perfect for events and photoshoots, attracting a clientele primarily comprising corporate clients such as NGOs, banking institutions, and other businesses seeking a safe and comfortable working or meeting space in Kisii.
As a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, Isabel faced challenges accessing bank loans, needing to rely on her husband’s title deed for financial support.
When asked about the hotel’s revenue, she revealed that most of their profits stem from offering accommodation, and bed and breakfast services, but little from selling meals.
Despite this, her commitment and resilience have driven her to succeed, and she encourages other women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
Ufanisi Resort operates with an eco-friendly approach, emphasizing customer satisfaction and top-quality service.
The hotel’s success strategy revolves around never shortchanging a client and ensuring they have a comfortable experience.
Clean rooms, delicious food, and impeccable customer service are integral to retaining customers and building a positive reputation.
The hotel’s ambiance is second to none, with its beautiful blend of nature and modern amenities.
The outdoor spaces offer a delightful escape from the busy town of Kisii, making it an ideal location for honeymoon getaways, weddings, and other events.
The hotel facilities include an inbuilt club, where entertainers regularly perform.
The hotel has invested in soundproof walls and equipment to prevent the noise from distracting guests who may be relaxing in their rooms.
At Ufanisi Resort, every room comes with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, and an electric tea pot. Further, all rooms have closets.
The conference facilities can accommodate large gatherings of up to 300 people, further contributing to the hotel’s versatility.
Ufanisi Resort has two branches in Kisii and one in Nakuru, and Lumumba plans to expand to other counties in the future.
