Nyahururu bets on tourism, and real estate to woo investors

Nyahururu, a small town tucked into the highlands of Kenya’s Laikipia County, is undergoing a quiet but meaningful transformation.

Once known mostly for its iconic Thompson Falls and crisp air, the town has long been a stopover rather than a destination. But that’s changing.

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2000089359/why-counties-are-battling-for-control-of-nyahururu-town">A convergence of shifting investment patterns, post-pandemic tourism trends, and real estate affordability is helping Nyahururu reimagine itself for the future.

Across Kenya, skyrocketing land prices in major urban areas such as Nairobi, where prime plots average over Sh189 million per acre according to the 2024 HassConsult Land Price Index, have pushed investors to look elsewhere.

Nyahururu, with its natural beauty, cooler climate, and expanding infrastructure, is emerging as an attractive alternative. With a population nearing 50,000 and a projected annual growth rate of 2.5 per cent, the town is slowly evolving into a magnet for both real estate and hospitality investors.

Unlike the neighbouring Naivasha or Nanyuki, where growth has been rapid and often speculative, Nyahururu’s pace has been more measured. But this slower trajectory may be its strength.

Hospitality developments here are increasingly designed not just for transient guests but for longer, more immersive stays—blending work, wellness, and retreat experiences.

This approach is shifting the public perception of Nyahururu from a pass-through town to a lifestyle destination.

A few players have fully embraced this integrated model. Facilities are now offering conferencing infrastructure, digital workspaces, and wellness services, positioning themselves for Kenya’s growing domestic travel market and the expanding diaspora segment.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which curbed international travel and highlighted the risks of over-dependence on global tourism, accelerated this shift.

According to the Kenya Tourism Board, domestic tourism accounted for more than 4.7 million bed nights in 2023 — a 35 per cent jump from the previous year.

Analysts expect this momentum to continue, buoyed by a growing middle class and better road connectivity linking urban centres to secondary towns like Nyahururu.

The town is also gaining traction in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) market. The sector is projected to grow at an annual rate of seven per cent through 2028, according to PwC’s 2024 Hospitality Outlook.

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/busia/article/2000047770/motorists-nightmare-on-run-down-nyeri-nyahururu-highway">Venues that combine< scenic settings with reliable internet and event space are becoming attractive alternatives to city-based conference hotels.

One of the clearest signs of this evolution is Panari Resort Nyahururu, which has emerged as a leading hub for tourism and lifestyle investment in the region. 

Set on 23 acres near the Marmanet Forest and the Thompson Falls Gorge, Panari is no longer just a resort. It has repositioned itself to serve a mix of leisure, conferencing, wellness, and extended-stay clients.

According to Panari’s Operations Manager Sachin Kumar, the resort’s transformation was born out of necessity during the pandemic. 

“The pandemic forced us to reimagine our role.” We began focusing on domestic travellers, diaspora families, and corporate retreats. That pivot not only kept us afloat, it also helped integrate us more deeply with the local economy,” he said.

Kumar said the resort’s evolution mirrors new market demands. 

“We’ve hosted a wide range of events—from government workshops and NGO (non-governmental organisation) seminars to weddings and product launches,” but beyond that, we’ve seen diaspora families requesting long-stay options, even inquiring about second homes. That’s when you realise this is more than tourism—it’s about people seeking new ways to live, work, and connect with nature,” he said.

To meet this demand, he added that Panari has introduced residential-style amenities, including villas with kitchenettes, high-speed internet, and open workspaces.

The resort also lies within an elephant migration corridor, prompting management to adopt wildlife-friendly practices that safeguard access routes and habitats.

Wellness tourism—another emerging global trend—is also gaining ground in Nyahururu. Properties are incorporating nature walks, spa treatments, indoor heated pools, and meditation spaces into their offerings.

The Global Wellness Institute forecasts this market to grow by over 20 per cent annually through 2025, with Africa among the fastest-growing regions. In Nyahururu, the wellness component blends naturally with the town’s serene environment and conservation ethic.

="https://www.tnx.africa/county/article/2001515688/nyahururu-darts-players-left-in-the-cold-after-promised-prize-money-disappears">For many locals,< the changes are palpable. According to Grace Wanjiku, a shop owner in the town centre, five years ago, there were barely any modern hotels or major events in the urban area. 

“Now, we see tourists, wedding groups, and even corporate delegations coming in almost every week, it’s brought more life and business. Even small traders like us have started feeling the impact,” she said.

Others are noticing a shift in Nyahururu’s reputation as a place to invest and settle down. 

“You used to hear people say they’re just passing through Nyahururu to go to Nakuru or Nanyuki,” said Joseph Gichuki, a resident. “But these days, people are coming here for longer stays—and some are even buying land to build cottages for Airbnb or personal use.”