Mita Vohra’s Vision for a New Bold Era at Sarova Hotels and Resorts

Mita Vohra’s journey is anything but conventional. A lawyer, filmmaker, and jewellery designer, she now leads Sarova Hotels and Resorts as Board Director, bringing grit, charm, and sharp instinct to redefine the future of the iconic Kenyan hospitality brand. Born into a family of hoteliers, hospitality was always in Mita Vohra’s DNA. She was thriving with her jewellery brand, Ortaea, when Sarova’s Managing Director Jimi Kariuki requested her support. She hesitated as she was building something successful of her own. Once she stepped back into the business, there was no looking back. Her journey across diverse markets not only broadened her perspective but also deepened her understanding of the hospitality industry. Throughout this evolution, Jimi remained a steadfast influence who played a key role in drawing her back into the Sarova fold. Rooted in Legacy For Mita, the true essence of Sarova’s success lies not just in its properties but in the enduring relationships the brand has nurtured, especially within the Indian market. There is a lot of Indian shareholding in the business, but the connection is more than just transactional; it is deeply personal. “It has been over 30 years since we have been coming to this market. The relationships that began back then still exist with us today. We love coming back here to build new relationships in new markets opening up in the untapped cities of India,” she reflects. The family’s journey intensifies the emotional significance of this bond. “It is heart-warming to go to a country and be recognised because of your legacy. Especially when our family has been through a lot in terms of losing our loved ones,” says Mita. Deep Bond With India After establishing strongholds in the US and UK, India was one of the first international markets Sarova ventured into. What began as a strategic expansion has grown into one of the brand’s most meaningful and rewarding relationships. She explains, “India is not just a market for us. It is a commitment, where legacy, culture, and community meet, that aligns beautifully with who we are.” Kenya and India share deep historical ties, with a well-established Indian diaspora forming an integral part of Kenyan life. One of the strongest links between the two countries is the pharmaceutical sector, facilitating a dynamic, two-way supply chain, bringing financial success to both nations. This shared success has naturally extended into tourism, with travel data reflecting a widening travel corridor between the two nations.