News from the Fairview Hotel

What's new at the Fairview?

News from the Fairview - September 2001

Make a splash in the Fairview's new Swimming pool

Regular guests at the Fairview will be delighted to learn that we now have a swimming pool. 19.5 metres in length, 8 metres wide and 1.8 metres at its deepest, the Fairview swimming pool will ensure that after a long hot day in downtown Nairobi, guests can cool off with a lazy lap or two. The pool will be inaugurated on 1st November 2001 and will be open daily from 7.00 am, to Fairview residents only, fitness fanatics can get in a few lengths before enjoying breakfast at the new poolside café. Residents who don't have to spend the day in the office might prefer to lounge at the poolside under the natural shade provided by the trees in our landscaped gardens. Open until 7.00 pm every day, our new swimming pool is a welcome addition to our many other facilities.

Anyone for a cappucino?

Next time you're in the mood for a good cup of coffee why not try one of our cappucinos? Made with coffee from Nairobi's famous Java House, our cappucinos are creamy, frothy and large enough to linger over. Mid morning on the Fairview Terrace calls for a cappucino.

The new Terrace Kitchens at the Fairview Hotel, Nairobi.

The Terrace kitchens are now twice the size

Due to the ever increasing popularity of lunch on the Fairview Terrace we recently decided to enlarge the kitchen that serves the Terrace Restaurant. Now twice the original size, the kitchens are cool and comfortable for the staff and well able to cater for our growing number of lunchtime clientele. Next time you're there try one of our speciality pastries - Black Forest Gateau, or Rasberry Mouse Cake, accompanied of course by a creamy Cappucino. We may be in the heart of Africa but our gateaux are straight out of Europe.

European Chef trains the Fairview staff

For many years the Fairview Hotel has been one of the few Nairobi hotels with an all Kenyan kitchen staff. We have great faith in our locally trained staff who produce excellent food to a very high standard, but once in a while it doesn't hurt to bring in a different face. So for the last two months German Chef, Bernhard Spengler, has been introducing some new ideas into the food and beverage department. Specialising in pastry cooking, Bernhard has worked in some of the leading hotels in the world, from Switzerland to Hong Kong and has vast experience of the hotel trade.

Bernhard's presence is really felt when it comes to food presentation. Ordinary dishes, he says, can be brought to life with professional presentation. Bernhard's chocolate Swiss chalet, spun sugar, Japanese temple and his sugar safari scenes are fascinating additions to our lunchtime buffet. Check them out in the dining room next time you're in town.

Staff Profile -Edward Kieni, General Manager

Edward Kieni has worked at the Fairview for 35 years and it would be fair to say that he has worked his way to the top. From Receptionist, to Head Receptionist, to Assistant Manager, to Manager, to General Manager, Mr Kieni knows the Fairview very well and is our longest serving member of staff.

Edward Kieni's start date was 1 January 1966 when he joined the Fairview as one of only two receptionists. With a background in outdoor leadership (Kieni has climbed both Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro) he was new to hotel work, but he took to it like the proverbial duck to water. In May 1969 the Head Receptionist left his job at the Fairview and Kieni, despite being the junior of the two remaining receptionists, was chosen to replace him.

Edward Kieni is Faiveiw Hotel's General Manager. Kieni worked diligently for the next few years and in 1969 he was appointed as an Assistant Manager. In order to gain experience in all aspects of hotel management, for the next two years he was allocated duties in all parts of the hotel.

Edward Kieni has an excellent memory and can easily tell you that in 1975 the Fairview had 79 rooms and 82 staff, compared to today's 100 rooms and 160 staff. He remembers the year well, because that was the year in which he was made a Manager, responsible for food and beverage and front office. Twenty years later Edward Kieni was appointed General Manager and he is still in that position today.

What has been Mr Kieni's biggest challenge at the Fairview? Undoubtedly, staff management, he says. Ensuring that staff are in the right place, at the right time, with the correct attitude is one of his missions. Guests, he says, are not such a big issue. "With the right approach, you can make any guest happy." Mr Kieni asserts. "Making the customer feel wanted has always been our objective."

With 35 years at the same hotel Mr Kieni knows many of the guests and often welcomes them personally. His office is very close to reception and while he is in it, the door is always open. Pop in and say hello next time you're passing - you're always welcome.

Muthaiga Travel opens a second office at the Fairview

Muthaiga Travel, which has had an office at the Fairview for the last five years, has opened a second office next to the Business Centre. Muthaiga Travel has vast experience in the travel market and offers years of expertise. Staff can assist with tours, safaris, flight reservations, reconfirmations and onward bookings. The offices next to the Business Centre, which are twice as big as the main office, are open Monday to Friday 08.00 to 17.30, Saturday 09.00 to 12.30 and Sunday 10.00 to 12.00.

The Fairview Gift Shop expands

In keeping with the rest of the hotel, the Gift Shop, located just outside the main entrance of the hotel, has grown and now has twice as much space. Selling souvenirs, books, newspapers, magazines and essential items that every traveller needs, the Gift Shop is open from 07.30 to 14.00 and from 16.30 to 19.30.

Coming up in Kenya

On 30 September horse power will replace horses at the Nairobi Racecourse, when car and motorcycle enthusiasts and their families gather for the annual Concours d' Elegance. Officials will be faced with the demanding task of assessing the superbly presented entries in the 31st annual Concours organized by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club.

Touring cars vary in size from a diminutive Austin Mini to Jaguars, Mercedes and massive American cars like the 1956 Dodge Kingsway. Of the ten car classes the favourites are the sports car and pre-1940 categories. The 'golden oldies' will be the last cars to be judged and the overall winner may emerge from this group.

The Concours will be the centre piece of a fun filled family outing. There will be a children's entertainment centre featuring a bouncing castle, magic and puppet shows, face painting and donkey cart rides.

Among the attractions for adults will be a charity market, live music, fly pasts and a spectacular free fall parachute drop by the Smirnoff Sky Team. A wide range of refreshments will be available and Concours day will close with a parade of all the competing cars and motorcycles, the prize giving and a grand finale.