The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, has officially commissioned the newly constructed Hillside Hotel in Kenema, marking a significant milestone in the city’s growing hospitality sector. The event brought together key stakeholders including government ministers, private sector leaders, and traditional authorities, all underscoring the importance of strategic partnerships in national development and reflecting strong collaboration between private sector and government.
Kenema, one of Sierra Leone’s key regional cities, has in recent years witnessed increasing investment in tourism and hospitality infrastructure. The commissioning of Hillside Hotel represents a broader national effort to diversify the economy through tourism while promoting cultural identity and private sector-driven growth.
Delivering remarks at the ceremony, local authorities and stakeholders highlighted Kenema’s rising profile as a destination for both business and leisure. The Paramount Chief emphasized that the addition of high-standard hospitality facilities such as Hillside Hotel positions Kenema as “open for business,” capable of attracting and retaining visitors. Similarly, the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Matthew Sahr Nyuma, described the city as increasingly “classified” in terms of development, commending the proprietor’s vision. He called for policy incentives to further strengthen the hospitality industry, assuring that lawmakers would support such initiatives. He also painted a vivid picture of the facility, which boasts 25 rooms, a swimming pool, children’s playground, gym, presidential suites, and a shisha bar.
In his brief statement, the son of the CEO, Taha Skaikay, expressed gratitude to the Minister and all dignitaries for honoring the occasion. He noted that the vision behind Hillside Hotel is rooted in a commitment to excellence and national development, emphasizing that the facility is designed to meet international standards while showcasing Sierra Leonean ingenuity. He further reaffirmed the family’s dedication to contributing meaningfully to the growth of the hospitality and tourism sector in Kenema and beyond.
In her keynote statement, Minister Tunis expressed profound appreciation to the Skaikay family for their bold investment, noting that the initiative strongly aligns with the Ministry’s “Year of Culture and Creativity” agenda. She emphasized the critical role of private sector partnerships and what can be achieved through collective effort. The Minister underscored that the hotel will not only enhance accommodation capacity but also enable Kenema to host large-scale events, thereby strengthening its tourism appeal and economic vitality. She further encouraged the local community to take ownership of the project and support its sustainability.
The commissioning climaxed with the symbolic ribbon-cutting, transitioning from discussions on development to tangible action. Minister Tunis was later taken on a conducted tour of the facility, where she expressed admiration for its unique concept and overall design. Hillside Hotel stands as a testament to Sierra Leonean entrepreneurship and a growing confidence in the country’s tourism sector.
MTCA Communications
