“They say life begins at 40. Please demonstrate your prowess and capacity and show us how life is by running a successful and profitable business venture.” These were the words of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) General Secretary Reverend Canon Peter Karanja, to the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer for Jumuia Resorts, Mr. William Kipkogei Kemboi.
Speaking when he formally introduced the 39 year old C.E.O to Jumuia resorts managers, Canon Karanja prophesized that within 3 years, the resorts would have surpassed the expectations of many. While recognizing their efforts, Canon Karanja also appealed to the managers to rally behind their new boss. “Being managers you should demonstrate that we did not make a mistake when we hired you. All of you are trained but please give the C.E.O space to run the hotels. We have a unique product and I want to prophesy that in the next 3 years, you will have performed so well,” said Canon Karanja who was accompanied by NCCK’s senior management among them his deputy Dr. Nelson Makanda and Programs Director Susie Ibutu.
Canon Karanja once again assured Kemboi of his total support on turning around Jumuia resorts. “We are behind you and will provide you with all the support you require. We shall support you morally and financially,” said Canon Karanja who also cautioned against compromising Christian values in the new dispensation of Jumuia resorts. “Take me seriously because Christian organizations that own hotels are struggling to make them profitable without compromising Christian values,” he pointed out.
On his part, Kemboi who is Jumuia Resorts Ltd pioneering C.E.O, expressed his joy for meeting the managers and reached out to them for support. He acknowledged that the responsibility bestowed on him and his team was enormous. “This is a day I have been looking forward to. I look forward to your support even as I support you so that together we can deliver on our mandate. It is not going to be William alone, but all of us through the help of God,” he reminded them.
The managers present during the meeting were Martin Mburugu (Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru), William Wario (Jumuia Resorts Nakuru), Emmanuel Waya (Jumuia Resorts Kisumu) Catherine Mutongu (Jumuia Beach Resorts Kanamai) and Priscilla Watiri (Jumuia Coffee House Nairobi).
Mutongu who spoke on behalf of the managers promised to support their new boss. “Bwana William Karibu sana. Tutakushika na mikono miwili. (We welcome you Mr. William. We will work with you). I am sure you are here to guide us and hope you will be visiting us soon,” said an elated Mutongu.
Kemboi was appointed last month by Jumuia Resorts Board to provide strategic leadership to the resorts while pursuing a turn-around strategy with a view of making Jumuia resorts a profitable business venture. Jumuia Resorts Ltd. is a subsidiary of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK).
