Eldoret Adventist Guest House
By Godfrey K. Sang
Godfrey K. Sang is a historical researcher and writer with an interest in Adventist history. He holds a B.A. in History from the University of Eastern Africa Baraton and a number of qualifications from other universities. He is a published author. He is the co-author of the book On the Wings of a Sparrow: How the Seventh-day Adventist Church Came to Western Kenya.
First Published: January 29, 2020
Eldoret Adventist Guest House is an Adventist hospitality facility in Western Kenya.
Background
The Eldoret Adventist Guest House (EAGH) is the largest Adventist center of influence in the larger Western Kenya region. It is owned and managed by the Greater Rift Valley Conference. EAGH is situated on a two-acre property along the Eldoret-Nakuru highway about two miles from the Eldoret City central business district in a prime, quiet, and serene environment.
The idea to put up the guesthouse was first mooted by Professor Philip Rono, an Adventist lay leader and elder who wanted to have a facility founded on Adventist principles that could offer accommodation and conferencing facilities for both church members and the public.
Acquiring the Property
In 2006, Rono approached the leadership of the Western Kenya Field (WKF) with the proposal. After consideration and deliberation, the leadership accepted his proposal, and the WKF—the forerunner of the Greater Rift Valley Conference—set about to acquire the property. The cost of the property was set at KSh. 8,000,000 (US$115,000), which was way beyond the resources of the Western Kenya Field. Several fundraisers were held to raise the amount. Local churches, well-wishers, and invited guests gave generously toward this, and the property was eventually secured. Prior to this, the property had been used as a worship center for the Eldoret Chapel, an evangelical church.
Construction Process
On May 30, 2008, the WKF invited consulting engineers from Nairobi to advise on how to utilize the plot. A building committee was established, convened by the treasurer, Boaz Ouma, and the secretary, Luke Maiyo. Other members, drawn from all the stations of the Western Kenya Field, included Elder James Nyachiro, Elder Ochieng, Sister Lucy Towett, Elder Isaac Washiko, Elder Benson Kirui, Sister Esther Mwige, Elder Chalo, and all pastors representing various stations.1 After the designs and plans were obtained, construction began. Elodema Engineering Works and Supplies was awarded the construction work.2
Opening and Operation
On February 17, 2010, the East Central Africa Division secretary, Pastor Blasious Ruguri, officially opened the Eldoret Adventist Guest House. By October 2010, it was in full operation, offering catering services, accommodation, and conference facilities. In 2010, the facility hosted a three-day pastors’ conference, bringing together over 100 pastors of the Western Kenya Conference. Since then, the facility has grown from strength to strength and is today considered the third-largest Adventist center of influence in Kenya after the Literature Missionary Seminary Guest House and Conference Center in Nairobi and Watamu Adventist Beach Resort in Malindi. It is the largest in the Western region in Kenya. The bed capacity has increased from the initial 6 guest rooms to 48 guest rooms with 100 beds. The guest house also offers wedding facilities, restaurant services, conference and meeting venues, a bakery, training and team-building facilities, and a cyber-café. It also has ample parking. Future expansion plans include a recreational and fitness facility with a swimming pool. Today, the Eldoret Adventist Guesthouse is a popular venue for short meetings, conferences, and training. It is also well known for offering a wholesome vegetarian diet and fresh bread.
Mission of the EAGH
The mission of the EAGH is to provide and promote a homelike, Christian, quality accommodation and conference facility with a healthy vegetarian diet and an environment conducive to training, prayer, relaxation, and friendly interaction in an atmosphere free from drugs and alcohol, negative influences, and noise.
Sources
Minutes of the Western Kenya Field Executive Committee Meeting, 045/08. Greater Rift Valley Conference archives, Eldoret, Kenya.
Minutes of the Western Kenya Field Executive Committee Meeting, September 14, 2009. Greater Rift Valley Conference archives, Eldoret, Kenya.
Notes