Mohammed Hersi . A hotelier passionate about Tourism & Governance in Africa

As Sarova Hotels marks 50 years, I am happy that for 10 years of those 50 years, I was part of the team and family. Firstly, congratulations are in order. My experience has been nothing but sheer joy and happiness.

I would like to share a personal story where I was to join Sarova Stanley as F&B manager on my return from Sheraton Saudi Arabia, well it never happened. We were 12 of us, including my two one-time lectures at Utalii, and, Alhamdulilah, I came top. I was invited to discuss my remuneration. Instead of getting an appointment letter, I found myself walking out and asking the panel to offer the position to the next candidate.

Two of the panellists were outright hostile, and even during the interview, they were not kind to me, but I chose to downplay it. Well, in the second meeting, it was clear that they were not pleasant people, and it was going to be hell working under them besides, they were the chaps I would be reporting to.

The panel was made up of a very pleasant english guy GM and a female HRM who was also professional and pleasant. The two gentlemen in charge of operations—a Kenyan and a European—were outright hostile.

I gathered courage and told the expat european that I don’t think this is the right time for me to join Sarova, and maybe one day, God willing, I will find a more conducive environment. I then asked to be allowed to leave. I told him that I have never been fired and I don’t see myself lasting 6 months working under him; hence, I won’t give him the pleasure to taint my CV.

I went on to remain jobless for 12 more months (keep in mind this was after the infamous Likoni 1997 clashes that destroyed tourism). Very few companies were employing, but I still chose to walk away from what I thought was going to be a rough most likely abusive engagement.

Fast forward 5 years down the line, Sarova’s real owners reached out to consider me for GM’s position at Sarova Stanley the very place I was humiliated in my quest to be F&B Manager . I was now the the GM Nyali Beach Hotel . I declined the offer because I still had some projects to deliver at Nyali Beach, and secondly, I prefered working at the coast managing resorts as opposed to a city hotel.

Sandy Vohra now deceased MD then Sarova Hotels may his soul rest in peace. He once again made contact and told me, “Mohammad, no more excuses; we now have Sarova Whitesands GM position.”. I said yes, and that is how I ended up serving 10 years with Sarova Hotels. The owners allowed me to be at one point, Sarova Whitesands was Mohammed Hersi, and Mohammed Hersi was Sarova Whitesands. I totally enjoyed my time, and one day, if I am to write my memoirs, two chapters will be dedicated to Sarova.

Many years down the line, the European expat became my facebook friend and asked me if I could be his refereein his quest to get Kenyan citizenship. I asked him what was expected of me, and he told me my full details, including a copy of my passport. I happily accepted and gave him a copy of my passport. I believe in doing good to drown the bad. I don’t keep grudges, life is too short hence my optimism mantra .

I wish Sarova Hotels a happy 50th Anniversary. To Jimi Kariuki and the entire Sarova family, I wish you all more blessings and many more happy returns.

My message to any superior or manager please be nice it costs nothing to be humane. Don’t play God, since destiny is never in your hands. Well, for me, Almighty had bigger plans for me than the F&B Manager’s position.

Good people learn to follow your instincts, and no human being should ever make you feel miserable. The giver is only Almighty.

I hope you pick a lesson from my personal experience and as always, I choose to remain an optimist.

Mohammed Hersi
Mombasa