14/08/2026
From Hospitality Roots to KayArabuko Safaris 🇰🇪🌿🦁
My journey as Mrisa the Tour Guide, Managing Director of KayArabuko Safaris and Founder of Kaya Experience Ltd. began in 2004, after completing my KCSE.
I already knew I wanted a career in hospitality and tourism, but I wasn't sure where to begin. Looking back, perhaps my family had already shown me the way.
My late father started as a cook, then became a waiter, bartender and eventually a restaurant manager. My sister was a waitress, while several of my uncles were chefs, animators and hospitality professionals. One uncle, Mr. Kassim, was a driver-guide for another uncle who owned one of the pioneering tour companies in Watamu.
That family environment planted the seed. I became fascinated by safaris, wildlife, travel and adventure. 🐘🌍
I pursued Tour Guiding and Administration at Tsavo Park Hotel Institute in Voi, then joined Alliance Française de Mombasa to study French.
My career took me through Ndovu Village in Watamu, then Neptune Sentido Hotels in Diani, before joining Egerton University, Njoro, for a BSc in Ecotourism and Hospitality Management.
I took a break from university to raise fees and worked at Midlands Hotel in Nakuru for two years before returning and completing my studies in 2018.
Along the way, life blessed me with mylove and life partner, my🦋 daughter and 🦁🐯 two sons, while I ventured into business through DeskTop Lunches Restaurant & Caterers. For seven years, we cooked, served and built a reputation while contributing to the growth of the local food and café scene Mr&Mrs Karisa then our daughter also joined the family business before going to college.
But the safari dream never disappeared.
By the end of 2025, I felt the call to return to what had first inspired me — tourism, wildlife, conservation and adventure.
That dream became KayArabuko Safaris by Mrisa, under the wider Kaya Group vision.
Today, I look back and realise this journey didn't start with a company name. It started with family, hospitality, education, hard work, faith and a dream.
From my father's hospitality journey…
To becoming a student…
A hotelier…
A tour guide…
A restaurant entrepreneur…
And now, back to the safari trails of Kenya. 🇰🇪🐘🌿
I am Mrisa. This is my journey.
And now, you are part of it. ❤️
To every client, friend, family member and supporter who has believed in me, travelled with me, recommended me or encouraged me — Asanteni sana.
Please continue supporting this journey as we build something that goes beyond tourism: connecting people with Kenya, conserving our heritage and empowering our communities.
KayArabuko Safaris by Mrisa
Explore. Conserve. Empower. 🇰🇪💯
The journey has only just begun.
This is Season 1 episode 01🦁🌍❤️
