Wealthy Koreans to build Sh22bn golf resort in Nyandarua

A consortium of Korean investors has begun construction of a Sh22 billion golf resort in Kipipiri, Nyandarua county, as it seeks to ride on the growing demand for luxury resorts in Kenya.

Mt Kipipiri Golf Resort Ltd., under the direction of CEO Young Moon Choi, said on Tuesday that it would build 600 villas, an 18 hole-golf course, a 5-star hotel, a club house and an airstrip on 1,400 acres in Kipipiri.

The piece of land was recently acquired from the family of former director of intelligence James Kanyotu at a cost of Sh300 million.

Nyandarua Governor Daniel Waithaka applauded the investors for choosing the location, which falls under the tourist circuit linking Nairobi and the northern circuit of Laikipia, Isiolo and Marsabit.

Mr Waithaka was addressing journalists on Tuesday after receiving Mr Choi and the firm’s managing director Ramji Patel and director Robert Njoroge, who had paid him a courtesy visit in his Ol Kalou office.

The governor assured the investors of his support to ensure the Kipipiri Golf Resort is accomplished in time.

Earth-movers are already on the site preparing the golf course and the airstrip to pave the way for construction of the resort that is expected to be completed in five years.

Nyandarua has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, following deadly protests that were staged last month by a section of residents opposed to the construction of a Sh13 billion wind farm in Kinangop.

The 60-megawatt project, whose groundbreaking was held last year, has stalled for months following fierce opposition from the local leaders and residents.

Last week the project received the much-needed local support after it was agreed that President Uhuru Kenyatta would ensure the residents are adequately compensated.

The compensation will include Sh2.5 million pay-out in advance for land where turbines will be erected and a further compensation of 30 per cent value of land for owners who live 180m from the turbines.

Join 15,000+ pros getting our weekly digest of news and insights.