Kigali Paramount Hotel impresses Mount Kenya University graduands

Mount Kenya University (MKU) graduands who graduated on 8th August this year, visited Kigali Paramount Hotel accompanied by parents and guardians. They were thrilled by the magnificent hotel, praising its fine finishing.

The General Manager of the hotel, Mr. Galgallo Halakhe Waqo was glad to receive them.

Said Galgaro, “Today we hosted a number of visitors from MKU – graduands with their parents and guardians. They were very excited. You could tell from their faces. They enjoyed the food and the ambience. As Kigali Paramount Hotel, we congratulate the graduands and wish them the best in life. The future is bright for them.”

Olivier Welcome, a Masters graduate, said the cleanliness of the rooms, the quality of amenities and the overall atmosphere is superb.

One of the parents, Augstin Rudakubona said, the construction of the facility is a blessing to the country as it will help grow the hospitality and tourism industry by equipping young people with the required skills to work in the industry. He added that it will also be a major source of employment.

Mr Galgaro added: “Kigali Paramount Hotel is a centre of excellence and together with Mount Kigali University, our aim is to offer hands-on experience whereby the School of Hospitality students pass through our hands before they graduate and join the industry. We ensure they are well trained to satisfy both the local and the international job markets,” he said.

Dr. Jane Wambui, the dean, of School of Hospitality and Tourism at Mount Kenya University expressed her excitement about the beauty of the country and the hotel. She said Rwanda is a beautiful country whose tourism industry is on the rise. The government has taken the initiative to ensure it is one of the leading foreign earners in the country.

Since the hotel opened two months ago, Mount Kigali University has attached second- and fourth-year hospitality students.

The students take their practical laundry and housekeeping unit within the hotel.

The hotel also hosts Mount Kenya University students from Kenya who are placed in different departments. They are learning a lot about Rwandan culture and food, among others.

Dr Jane said that the two universities will conduct student exchanges. “We look forward to seeing Rwandan students coming to Kenya soon,” she added.

Kigali Paramount Hotel is located on the Bugesera Highway, next to the university. Graduates who had not previously visited the hotel were surprised to see such a modern facility built to international standards.

Samuel Muhumuza, a graduate from Uganda, said: “It’s one of the most ambitious projects undertaken by the university. It will play a significant role in educating and promoting the hospitality industry in Africa and beyond.”

Dr Jane also mentioned that Africa has five hospitality training hotels, with Rwanda among the countries that host such a facility. “We look forward to offering refresher courses. We want to work with the Rwanda Development Board. Kigali Paramount Hotel is an application hotel where professionals can undertake their refresher training,” she explained.

Dr Jane also observed that young people in Rwanda are eager to learn and easy to nurture. “This is good for Rwanda, as it brings many positive changes to the country,” she noted.

Kigali Paramount Hotel is committed to caring for its ecosystem. The founder of the institution was deeply moved when he visited Kinigi in Musanze to see the gorillas. It dawned on him that there was a need to be more sensitive to the environment. As a result, he provided a grant of USD 40,000 to fund the writing of a book on the ecosystem.

Dr Jane said that proposals have already been submitted and are currently under review. The book will be placed in hotel rooms for guests, and will also be distributed to schools, public libraries, and other institutions.

Mount Kenya University Rwanda campus gained full accreditation from HEC and is now Mount Kigali University. Mount Kigali University (MKUR) is a fully accredited private university in Rwanda, established in 2010 as Mount Kenya University Rwanda campus and granted autonomy in 2023 through a cabinet resolution. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with modern facilities like a hotel, radio station, medical centre, and is set to launch PhD programs, positioning itself as a regional hub for academic excellence.