Sarova Hotels is owned by former Kirinyaga Central Member of Parliament (MP) John Ngata Kariuki. Kariuki partnered with the late Gurcharan Singh Vohra (G.S. Vohra) in 1974 to establish the Sarova Group of Hotels.
The name “Sarova” itself is a blend derived from the first names of the wives of the three founding members: SA (Swarna Vohra), RO (Rose Kariuki), and VA (Varsha Vohra).
They first acquired the Ambassadeur Hotel on Moi Avenue in Nairobi.
Afterwards, they bought the 22-acre Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort in 1976 and the historic Sarova Stanley Hotel in 1978.
In 2013, Kariuki assumed the role of Chairman of the Sarova Group after the death of G.S. Vohra.
Kariuki has held other significant positions beyond his involvement in the hospitality industry.
This includes serving as a non-executive chairman and director in several companies such as Kenya Airways, Kenya National Assurance, and the Automobile Association of Kenya.
Kairuki has been a director at Kenya Post & Telecommunications Corporation (Telkom Kenya) and as a member of the Advisory Committee of the Bank of India.
He is the Chairman of Sarova Hotels.
Additionally, he is the founder of the Ngata Children’s Home in Kirinyaga
John Kariuki Political Career
He contested for the 2007 Kirinyaga Central Constituency seat under the FORD-Asili ticket and won.
However, he lost the seat in 2011 after Daniel Karaba of Narc-Kenya successfully challenged his election in court.
Also Read: Top Five Beach Resorts in Kenya
Family
Kariuki is the second son of Japhet Kariuki Kanyotu.
He has two sisters and three other brothers.
His elder brother is the late James Kanyotu who served as Kenya’s first Director of Intelligence.
He is followed by another brother, David Nderu, who is a well-known industrialist.
Currently, he is a single dad of two children, James Kariuki and Elizabeth Nyawira.
His wife, Rose Wanjiku Kariuki, an educationist and economist, passed away in 2015
He has three grandchildren, Robyn, Lauryn, and Colin Kariuki.
Also Read: List of 5-Star Hotels in Kenya’s Five Cities
Sarova Hotels, Beaches & Lodges
The Hotel chain consists of Sarova Stanley, established in 1902 and located in the heart of Nairobi.
Another hotel is Sarova Panafric, located along Valley Road that equally serves as a strategic conferencing and accommodation hub.
Further, the Hotel operates Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Spa, located in Nakuru and Sarova Imperial Hotel in Kisumu.
It also owns the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa.
Safari Lodges & Game Camps
Besides, the Hotel operates Sarova Mara Game Camp located in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
It also owns the Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge situated in Lake Nakuru National Park.
Others are Sarova Shaba Game Lodge in the Shaba National Reserve as well as Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge and Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge in the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
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