Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi

Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi – Kilifi, Kenya

Key Service: Strategic Advice
Location: Kilifi, Kenya
Product: Strategic & Operational Restructuring

Project description:

The Client engaged Horwath HTL (South Africa) to review its then current operations and assist in identifying facilities which would enhance its hospitality offering in an effort to improve the overall project’s marketability.

A mixed-use development, the project site already comprised golf villas which had been sold to private investors, free-standing privately owned homes occupied by permanent residents, an 18-hole championship golf course, driving range, club house with associated facilities including a restaurant, beach club situated on the Kuruwitu Marine Park, a private airstrip, and helipad.

Horwath HTL solution:

Horwath HTL (South Africa) undertook the project over a nine-month period during which time ten identified and agreed projects were successfully implemented resulting in a repositioned product with improved operational efficiency. We highlight some of the identified and agreed upon projects we were responsible for implementing:

We convened a workshop with the Shareholders and management across all divisions of the business in order to craft a brand identify that was supported by media and public relations programs following our facilitation of an agency tender process. Following the workshop, a complete review and revision of all marketing collateral in support of the marketing strategy developed for all aspects of the business [hospitality, real estate, and golf] was then undertaken with the deliverables including, although not limited to, a new website, new real estate and hospitality brochures, design and identification of suitable locations for advertising billboards, the design and printing of real estate and hospitality fact sheets, design and implementation of weekly member communiques and monthly newsletters, and a new golf score card.

We investigated the viability of direct flights between Nairobi and Vipingo Ridge in order to greatly improve accessibility; this initiative was finalised and implemented subsequent to the conclusion of our appointment.

We facilitated consultation with golf villa owners with regard to the formation of a rental pool system in which they could participate. We crafted the guidelines for the rental pool system which were then shared with the Client’s local attorneys to translate into a legal binding contract.

Furthermore, we provided ongoing consultation with regard to the construction of a conference centre and leisure centre. The conference centre comprised two boardrooms, a number of meeting rooms, and a ball room. The complex was constructed on a site affording conference delegates magnificent sea and in-land views from the generous wrap-around terraces. In keeping with the overall architectural theme of Vipingo Ridge, break-away bomas and water features were also incorporated in the design of the conference centre. The leisure centre was developed with home-owners, members, and residents in mind with a particular focus on families. The leisure centre, a large makuti boma structure, overlooked the driving range and is in close proximity to the horse stables. It offers home-owners, members, and residents a dedicated kids’ playground, a large swimming pool, two all-weather tennis courts, and casual dining options. The construction of both facilities was completed shortly after the conclusion of our appointment, and we were honoured to be invited back to attend the official opening of the facilities.

Identification, and procurement, of operating systems that would improve operational efficiency.

Finally, we undertook a complete review of the operational human resource team compliment and structure and developed standard operating policies and procedures to support the roles and responsibilities articulated in human resource plan developed.

As a result of the strategic investment and improved operations, the future value of the development was enhanced.