Kiserian Picnic Site a new Darling

by eCentury Reporter
A picnic site three kilometres off Magadi-Kiserian-Isinya junction has become a darling of people mainly from Nairobi, Nakuru, Ngong, Thika, Rongai and Kiserian seeking for a nice place to relax as individuals, groups, families or corporate.

It is the Olooltepes Ranch Picnic Site which began hardly two years ago. It began small; a dream by two men, William Mopel, 66 and Ernest Karuga, 57.

Ernest Karuga the founding manager convinced Mopel the owner of the property that it was a viable project. Karuga observes, “I saw the viability of the picnic in this area. I saw the gold in this project. I insisted and convinced Mopel that it was a great place and a grand idea. First, the place is spacious, has huge and numerous Acacia trees. And secondly, it is located on a wind path. The place is ever windy even during those very dry and hot seasons. Third it is located on a panoramic angle with ideal view of Ngong Hills, Kiserian and Rongai town. Picnic makers have the opportunity to enjoy vast sights particularly the pinnacle of Ngong; the hill with its seven peaks.”
He further adds, “I saw the potential of this place. I was right. I am not surprised as the place grows from strength to strength”.

According to Karuga, the project started simple. First, they made a sign post which simply read ‘OLOOLTEPES RANCH PICNIC SITE, OPEN WEEKENDS /PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FROM 9:30 -6PM. ALL ARE WELCOME. This was fixed on the Junction where Isinya road meets the Magadi-Kiserian highway. Before long, people began to throng the place. At first, he notes, “we served pioneers free of charge. Many came to find out about us and what we offered. We didn’t have toilets. We didn‘t have a single structure. We started under a tree. It was an open air affair. Even then our patrons came in their numbers. It is our policy to let the place remain as natural as can be. Here there is plenty of oxygen, plenty of room.”

“We didn’t advertise. When we began to operate, we looked forward to October 20th which is a public holiday since we started the business around that time, but not many people came. Initially we operated on weekends from 8am to 6pm”, Karuga said.

Locals are given priority in recruitment. Many of them have trained on the job. We are learning every day. We believe in quality service. We give our customers the best we can. That is why they have solely been our own ambassadors. They have recommended us to their friends.
Professionals frequent the place. We receive pilots, engineers and all.”

He further reveals that by last year the business was booming. Construction of buildings started in February 2008 and by July the same year the structures were complete. Initially they began with two wokers which is in complete contrast to today’s 20.
He concludes, “Last Christmas was our greatest time. We received over 2000 guests; families, individuals and groups. We slaughtered over 50 goats.”

The two men William and Kuraga have since been joined by two youthful graduates from Nazarene and Kenyatta universities. They are 25-year old Ruth Mopel, a Bachelor of Commerce graduate of Nazarene and Sammy Leyan, 24 a B. Sc graduate of Kenyatta University.
Ruth who manages the kitchen had these to say, “I have always wanted the real feel of business. I love entrepreneurship. This place has given me the freedom to innovate and create. I enjoy my work. It is wonderful to grow with the business. This was my first job and I enjoy every bit of it. We now have two professional chefs. It is my job to make sure that everything is in place. I make sure we have all the requirements and supplies to the kitchen. I make sure everything runs smoothly. ”

On the long term objectives of the picnic Ruth revealed, “We intend to link up with tour firms particularly those visiting Amboseli Game Reserve. We want the tourists to spend their nights here. We intend to organize Ngong Hill climbing camps. We also intend to introduce fishing, we have huge dams around. ”

Ruth and Sammy are sister and brother - William Mopel’s children. They are visionary, energetic and passionate in their work.
The business receives high profile guests. According to Sammy, they even receive guests who come in helicopters. In April last year during a tree planting exercise, they were honoured to receive both the President, Mwai Kibaki and the Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
As one enters the Olootepes Picnic grounds he or she notices individuals, and groups scattered in the vast compound. Some drive almost 500 metres away from the centre. Some leave their cars at the site and walk a short distance to secure favourable locations. Others settle in a quiet place where they enjoy their privacy over a delicious Nyama Choma meal and drinks.