Kenya's Naivasha resort continues to shine as political uncertainty subsides

NAIVASHA, Kenya, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- With a freshwater lake and flower farms, Kenya's Naivasha has continued to live up to its billing as the "second coast" after Mombasa, a coastal attraction famous for its white sandy beaches.

Despite harsh economic times, hotels and recreation facilities at Naivasha, a town lying northwest of capital Nairobi, recorded impressive turnout as families made merry while celebrating Christmas.

According to the hoteliers, 90 percent of the tens of thousands of visitors were Kenyan while 10 percent were international tourists.

Naivasha in Nakuru County in western Kenya is the second town in Kenya after Mombasa in terms of visits by tourists, the number of hotels and destination sites, thus the tag "second coast."

The picture generated hope for local tourist sector after the political impasse created after the last general election period, spanning from August to October, led to a drop in the numbers of international visitors around the lakeside town.

According to Peter Mehta, the chairman of Lake Naivasha Hotel Owners Association and CEO of Crayfish Hotel, the repeat presidential elections held in Oct. had adversely affected their international bookings.

"The number of visitors this year's had dropped significantly due to the political anxiety but we hope that is now behind us," he said.

He noted that tourism around Naivasha town was picking up recently.

He said Naivasha is giving Mombasa a competition due to the many facilities around, which are easily accessible and have ample security.

The sentiments were echoed by Rosemary Njenga, a trader, who noted that the country had passed through a turbulent duration. The trader who was accompanied by her family members noted that it was time to forge forward and develop the country.

Elizabeth Gathungu, a visitor, was full of praise for Naivasha over the services and security offered by various institutions.

"As we end the year, we have decided to visit Naivasha and enjoy the services offered here, hoping that next year will be better," she said. Enditem