Nakuru City has continued to solidify its position as a rapidly developing urban hub while stamping its authority as a leading holiday destination.
The county's investments in the tourism sector saw an influx of visitors who flocked hotels and other entertainment joints to mark the Christmas festivities.
Many establishments reaped major returns from their investments that included children's amusement parks and water games, quad biking, skating, and virtual reality games that cater to the adrenaline needs of adventure lovers.
Deputy Governor Dr. David Kones emphasized the remarkable strides made, including substantial investments in infrastructural development and highlighted the city’s remarkable progress in recent years and other investments being made to take the city to the next level.
Tourism and Culture Chief Officer John Koech echoed the deputy governor's remarks and urged Kenyans to take some time to sample the hospitality of the Nakuru people throughout the year.
He added that the county boasts of numerous gems that are yet to be fully exploited and called for more investments within the tourism and hospitality sectors.
"We invite everyone to come and experience the warmth and hospitality of Nakuru County, we have put adequate measures for all our guests to enjoy and explore what Nakuru County has to offer," he indicated.
Hotels in the county recorded impressive turnouts of both walk-in and residential visitors and expressed optimism that the numbers would be witnessed into the new year.
Visitors were treated to an array of mouthwatering dishes representing different cultures that included both local and international cuisines.
Visitors who love camping were not left out as hotels set up camps under the open skies to help families and friends create lasting memories as they bonded and made new friends.
Under the leadership of Governor Susan Kihika, the city has unveiled a comprehensive development strategy, encompassing the Nakuru City Localized Integrated Development Plan, the Nakuru City Strategic Plan, and the visionary Nakuru City Vision 2050.
The city has witnessed improvements in roads, drainage systems, walkways, and street lighting.
Additionally, there has been a focus on social development, job creation, and environmental conservation initiatives such as tree planting, clean-up drives and waste management programs.
In recognizing the rapid urbanization trend, Kihika has also prioritized the development of all urban areas within Nakuru County.
With over half of the county’s population residing in urban centers, as per the 2019 census, the County is actively working to establish additional municipalities to complement the existing three.
Nakuru County has also been actively promoting tourism, investing in infrastructure and working with local businesses to create a world-class destination.
Meanwhile, with its diverse attractions, including Lake Nakuru National Park, Menengai Crater, Lord Egerton Castle and world-class hotels, the county is poised to become a top tourist destination in the country.