MKU chair to build more presidential suites at the coast.

Barely a couple of days after his luxury Nyali Golf View Residence (NGVR), hosted Uganda President Yoweri Museveni, Mount Kenya University Chairman Simon Gicharu now plans to build more presidential residential suites in Mombasa.

Gicharu is seeking to tap the growing flow of wealthy clients, dignitaries and power players who value privacy.

The move looks set to trigger competition for the high-end market as most hotels refurbish their suites to attract the moneyed visitors.

“We are studying how the market behaves. So far, one presidential penthouse is working well. But will put up more given the forecast demand surge,” said Gicharu.

Kenya has the fourth highest number of wealthy individuals on the continent and is one of the top destinations, especially at the Coast, for Africa’s super rich in search of vacation.

These are the kind of travellers that have sparked investments in exclusive suites, which charge in excess of Sh200, 000 per day.

A decade ago, there were less than 10 presidential suites, but more hoteliers and property players have upped investments to attract high-end visitors.

Top hotels in Mombasa with a huge stake in this high-end segment include Serena, Whitesands, Travellers and Pride Inn.