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Q. Tell us a little about yourself….
A. My name is Christopher Letur and I am from Samburu. I am the Assistant Manager at Saruni Mara and the Lodge Manager at Saruni Wild.
Q. What was your first job at Saruni and what did the journey to your current position look like?
A. I started as a guide in 2008 in Saruni Samburu and later elevated to be an Assistant Manager in Saruni Mara, which was a nice progress. I was then promoted to Lodge Manager in Saruni Wild in March 2020, shortly before the pandemic. My current position is similar to my previous one when it comes to hosting, but it’s different as you have to be on top of everything, such as the staff, which is also another experience for me. There are a lot of new things like overseeing all parts of the lodge and handling all sorts of challenges.
Q. What challenges did you encounter on your journey?
A. I encountered a lot of challenges. Just like as a guide, sometimes you get difficult guests. Additionally, as a manager you come in between the staff and the top management so you have to balance that. And also handling different type of guests and making sure that they are very happy and making sure that every system is working at the lodge in a very systematic way, which is also a good experience.
Q. If someone were to make a movie about your career, what would the title be?
A. A journey of experience.
Q. What do you like most about your current role?
A. Interacting with the guest and staff. I also enjoy running everything and making sure things go smooth.
Q. What helps you relax after a long day at work?
A. Talking to my family. Once I talk to them, I become relaxed.
Q. What makes you proud to be part of the Saruni family?
A. What I love most about Saruni, is that they work closely with the community and help them in many ways in term of employment, selling things from the ladies in the shop, etc. The way Saruni is connected and helps the community. And I also like the way it is well-organized and well-managed from the top to the bottom.
Q. If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?
A. I would be a honey badger because of its curiosity.
Q. What skills do you think are needed to be a successful lodge manager?
A. You need to be focused, well-organised and proud of yourself.
Q. What advice would you give to other people from local communities, who wish to become a lodge manager one day?
A. My advice to them is there is nothing which is impossible as long as you are determined in whatever you do. I encourage them to put effort so that we have more managers from local communities.